Perfect Homemade Pizza

Introduction: Enjoy the ultimate pizza experience with our Perfect Homemade Pizza recipe. From the crispy, golden crust to the savory sauce and mouthwatering toppings, this pizza is a crowd-pleaser that you can make in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria.

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings (customize to your liking):

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Sliced bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Sliced black olives
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
   • Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for about 1 minute.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
3. Preheat Your Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting, typically around 500°F (260°C) or as high as your oven can go. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat as well.
4. Roll Out the Pizza Dough:
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half for two 12-inch pizzas. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Place the rolled-out dough on a piece of parchment paper. Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over the dough.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then add your favorite toppings.
6. Bake the Pizza:
   • Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, then slice and serve.

With this Perfect Homemade Pizza recipe, you can savor the flavors of a delicious homemade pizza that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Get creative with your choice of toppings and enjoy the pizza-making experience!