• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Carefree Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
    • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
      • Cheese
      • Dips
    • Breakfast
      • Quick Bread Recipe
      • Breakfast Casseroles
      • Eggs
      • French Toast
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Main Dish
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
    • Sides
      • Potatoes
      • Rice
      • Veggies
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • No Bake
    • Breads
    • Sauces & Condiments
    • Drinks
    • Einkorn Flour
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Special Diets » Nut-Free » Homemade Pizza Recipe

    Homemade Pizza Recipe

    Published: January 14, 2023 · Jill Baird · 1 Comment

    homemade pizza recipe with homemade crust. bake homemade pizza

    Sharing is caring!

    92 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    how to make homemade pizza recipe
    best homemade pizza recipe
    homemade pizza crust recipe
    best pizza crust recipe

    This Easy Homemade Pizza Dough is made with simple ingredients, and works perfectly for everything from thick crust to thin crust, breadsticks, or even grilled pizza.  We’ll walk you through everything step-by-step so that you'll be making delicious pizzas like a pro in no time.

    Jump to:
    • Make-Ahead Pizza Dough Recipe
    • Homemade Pizza For Beginners
    • Best Cheese to Use
    • More Tips
    • Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

    Make-Ahead Pizza Dough Recipe

    We don’t call this recipe Easy Homemade Pizza Dough for nothing.  It uses just 6 ingredients, no fancy flours, and comes together in a snap. 

    You can even make the dough a day in advance - all it takes is a few minutes out of your day, and a little refrigerator space.  Making it ahead of time actually improves the flavor of your dough because the yeast has enough time to sit and do its thing

    If you don’t have time for a slow rise, no worries.  Go ahead and let the dough rise for about 15-30 minutes at room temperature before shaping and baking. 

    Or, you can make the dough first thing in the morning and throw it in the fridge to use later on the same night.  There isn’t really an exact timeline for how long the dough needs to rise.  We’re telling you, this recipe turns out great every time!

    And, if you want an even quicker pizza recipe try this french bread pizza recipe.

    how to prep homemade pizza dough, homemade dough in a glass bowl

    Homemade Pizza For Beginners

    1. Proof the yeast.  In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast and mix well.  Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.  
    2. Mix the pizza dough.  Once your yeast has “proofed,” add the olive oil, salt and about 1 ½ cups of flour.  Using a paddle or dough hook, mix until all the ingredients are completely combined.  Add in the rest of the flour, about a ¼ cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the edges of the bowl.
    3. Shape into a dough ball.  Mix on low speed for another 1-2 minutes until the dough is nice and smooth, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and shape the dough into a ball.
    4. Let the dough rest. If you are making the dough ahead, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge overnight. Otherwise, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 15-30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
    5. Spray a large baking sheet or a round pizza pie pan with non-stick cooking oil. Place the dough in the middle of the baking dish and use your flat palm to stretch and shape the pizza dough to the edges of the baking dish. If your dough is tough to work with, simply let it rest for a minute or two and it will relax enough to work with.
    6. If you're wondering how thick your dough should be after you spread it, I would say somewhere in the range of ¼" and 1'3 inch in the center and the edges, the crust can be closer to ½". If you're wanting more of a Chicago Style pizza. You can make your pizza in a pan with higher edges and make the crust up to ½" in the center and ¾ on the edges. You will just need to bake your crust longer if you prefer a thicker crust.
    How to make homemade pizza sauce with tomato sauce, pizza toppings on a wood surface with balls of pizza dough recipe.

    Sauces for Homemade Pizza

    We usually use marinara sauce or tomato sauce from a jar.  Or, you can often find pre-made marinara sauce in the deli area at your grocery store.

    When you have a bit more time, these recipes would all make amazing sauces and spreads for your homemade pizza recipe:

    • Make your own Homemade Pizza Sauce. This takes just a few minutes and the results are phenomenal.
    • Spread a thin layer of Garlic Butter or Pesto over your crust before adding cheese and any toppings.
    • Use Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce to make a white pizza.
    • Try using the Homemade Pesto.
    • You can also use tomato sauce as homemade pizza sauce. Just add an even thin layer of tomato sauce to your dough and then to season, add some garlic powder and Italian seasonings like you would if you were salting your food. A little seasoning goes a long way.

    Best Cheese to Use

    • To get that amazing cheese pull we all love, use a pizza cheese blend or make your own. Pizza cheese is a mixture of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan. This will give you the best result for a classic cheese pizza.
    • You can use lots of other varieties of cheese too. You can use a smoked cheddar or smoked gouda along with some mozzarella for a smokey flavor. (This is incredible on a BBQ Chicken Pizza)
    • Pepperjack is a great addition to a spicy pizza. (You can add this to a buffalo chicken pizza and the flavor is amazing.)
    • If you want to try another type of cheese, start by adding half mozzarella and then half of whatever kind of cheese sounds great. Mozzarella is a great base and has such a mild flavor. Experiment away!

    Pizza Flavors & Topping Ideas

    Our family is a pepperoni and cheese family all the way.  But it’s also our humble opinion that there are no bad pizza toppings.  Yes, we even support pineapple or jalapenos on pizza - whatever floats your boat!  Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing...

    • Meat Lovers with cooked sausage, diced ham, and grilled chicken
    • Margherita-style with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella
    • Hawaiian Pizza- add some ham or Canadian bacon and pineapple.
    • Combination Pizza- chock full of meat, veggies, melted mozzarella cheese, and plenty of flavors. 
    • Spinach and Artichoke with artichoke hearts, cooked spinach, and mozzarella cheese
    • BBQ chicken -with grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, onions and mozzarella cheese
    • Veggie pizza loaded with your favorite fresh veggies, thinly sliced red onions, and mozzarella cheese
    • Mexican pizza with refried beans, corn, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a Mexican cheese blend
    • Buffalo Chicken Pizza- You can use a white sauce or an alfredo sauce for the base, mozzarella cheese, and then some chicken covered in buffalo sauce. Top that baby with some green onions, blue cheese crumbles, and some jalapenos, and you've got yourself a party.
    Pizza dough spread onto a pizza pan topped with sauce, cheese and pepperoni.
    What Temp to Cook Pizza Dough

    The short answer to what temp to cook pizza dough is hot!  Those brick oven pizzas at your favorite pizza place can get up to 600 degrees, just to give you an idea.  

    Overall, our pizza baking temp recommendation is between 450-500 degrees F.  Go much lower and you’ll find yourself with a pizza crust that is tough, soggy or both.  
    For a pizza with a thicker crust, or for something like
    Stuffed Crust Pizza, you’ll want to reduce the pizza baking temp down to around 400 degrees.  This gives the dough a chance to bake all the way through before the outside gets too dark.

    Did you know that you can also grill pizza dough?  It’s such a great way to cook a pizza without having to heat up your house on a hot day.  You can find our recipe for Grilled Pizza Dough here.

    What tools do you need for homemade pizza?


    Pizza Pan- You can really make do with whatever you have on hand. A large baking sheet, a round pizza pan, or a pizza stone will work great.

    Pizza Cutter-You can use any pizza cutter, if you don't have one, a large, sharp knife will be fine too.

    Stand Mixer- If you have one, great, it does make the homemade crust a little easier but if also only takes 5 extra minutes to make the crust by hand.

    What Is the Best Pan for Baking Homemade Pizza?

  • Cast Iron Skillet or Cast Iron Pizza Pan: This is a great option for baking pizzas at home. Cast iron bakes very evenly and holds heat well, making for a crispy and chewy crust.  They are also very sturdy and will last forever - just make sure not to wash in your dishwasher.

  • Round Non-Stick or Aluminum Pizza Pan: Another great option is to use a wide-rimmed round pizza pan and a pizza wire.  Pizza wires help distribute heat evenly, and can be found at restaurant supply stores, or on Amazon.  They’ll give you a crispier crust.  You can also try and find a perforated pizza pan, which would eliminate the need for a pizza wire.

  • Pizza Stone: Place the pizza stone into a cold oven, then preheat them both together so that it gets nice and hot.  Shape and build your pizza directly on a baking peel, then transfer the pizza onto the hot stone to bake.  

  • Baking Sheet: If it’s all that you’ve got, that’s all you’ve got!  You can absolutely use a rectangular baking sheet, just be sure to lightly grease the pan before you add in your dough.

  • Deep Rectangular Cake Pan: If Detroit-style pizza is your thing, you can use a 2.5” deep cake pan.
  • How to Freeze Pizza Dough

    Before you freeze your dough, let it rise completely, then shape into rounds and transfer each dough ball to a freezer bag.  Press gently to remove any air from the bag and flatten the dough slightly, then seal it completely.  It can remain frozen for up to 3 months.
    It also works to freeze dough that has risen slowly in the fridge, so don’t worry if you’ve made your dough and then plans have changed by the next day.  Just toss it in a freezer bag and save it for a rainy day.

    How to Thaw Pizza Dough

    To thaw your dough, pull it from the freezer the day before you want to use it and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.  The next day, remove the dough from the cooler and let sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, then use however you’d like.

    Homemade Pizza crust on a pizza pan before baking. pizza temperature and time.

    Tips for Making Pizza in a Convection Oven at Home

    Be sure to preheat your oven. This is an important step in making great pizza. This will help your crust cook as evenly as possible.

    • Adjust the racks in your oven so you have a rack on the two lowest racks in the oven.
    • Bake your pizza on one rack up from the bottom.
    • Check the bottom of your crust after it has baked for 10 minutes. If your crust looks a little soggy or it's not baking at the same speed as the top of the pizza, move your pizza to the lowest rack.
    • If your pizza crust is already golden brown and the top isn't done baking, slide another baking sheet or pizza rack under your pizza so it cools the baking process down a little until the top is golden brown.
    pizza Dough spread onto a pizza pan topped with pizza sauce and cheese.

    More Tips

    Here are a few more tips to help you bake a perfect homemade pizza every time:

    • Let your oven preheat for a minimum of 30 minutes before you bake your pizza.  If you are using a pizza stone, let the stone preheat along with the oven so it’s piping hot when you transfer your pizza onto it.
    • Try to minimize the number of times that you open the oven door and let the heat escape.
    • Check your crust after it has baked 10 minutes and move your pizza up or down a rack if needed.
    • Bake your pizza at 425-450 degrees.
    • If you have a convection oven, you can probably achieve an even higher temperature.  This is the time to test the limits of your oven!
    homemade pizza, how to make homemade pizza dough
    Print

    Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

    This Easy Homemade Pizza Dough is made with simple ingredients, and works perfectly for everything from thick crust to thin crust to even grilled pizza.  If you are a bread-making novice, have no fear!  We’ll walk you through everything step-by-step to making delicious pizzas like a pro in no time.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Rising Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Servings 8 pizza slices
    Calories 167kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Water warm (95-110 degrees F)
    • 1 tablespoon Sugar
    • 2 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or any cooking oil

    Instructions

    To Make the Pizza Dough

    • In a medium-sized mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast and mix well.  Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
    • Once your yeast has “proofed,” add the olive oil, salt and about 1 ½ cups of flour.  Using a paddle or dough hook, mix until all the ingredients are completely combined.
    • Add in the rest of the flour, about a ¼ cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the edges of the bowl.
    • Mix on low speed for another 1-2 minutes until the dough is nice and smooth, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and shape the dough into a ball.
    • If you are making the dough ahead, wrap it tightly and store in the fridge overnight. Otherwise, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 15-30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

    To Bake Your Homemade Pizza

    • Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
    • With lightly floured hands, stretch and shape your dough into desired pan. If it begins to resist, let the dough relax for a couple of minutes and then continue.
    • Add your favorite sauce, toppings and cheeses, and brush the edges with olive oil or melted butter.
    • For a thin-crust pizza, bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted.

    Notes

    • For a pizza with a thicker crust, reduce the oven temp to 400 degrees so that the dough has a chance to bake all the way through before the outside gets too dark.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 294mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 2mg

    Here are some other recipes made we pizza dough that we love!

    • Pizza Monkey Bread
    • Pull Apart Garlic Bread
    • Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks
    • Homemade French Bread Pizza
    • Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza
    • Grilled Pizza Dough
    • Combinatio Pizza
    • More Easy Dinner Ideas
    • More Pizza Recipes

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    Pinterest pin for homemade pizza dough and how to make homemade pizza

    This Easy Homemade Pizza Dough is made with simple ingredients and can be used for everything from thick crust to thin crust, or even grilled pizza.  Whether you make it a day ahead, freeze it or use it right away, this dough works perfectly every time!

    « 21 Best No-Bake Cookies and Cookie Bars
    Cinnamon Twists with Puff Pastry »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Jill.

    I love sharing my love of food with you and helping you find easy solutions for all of your family's meals and delicious treats.

    Learn More

    Let's Be Friends!

    • Facebook
    • Instragram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Most Popular Posts

    • Walking Tacos
    • Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas
    • Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings
    • Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip Recipe
    • Mini Lemon Blueberry Bread
    • Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
    • Best Hot Fudge Sauce
    • Best Cheesecake Filled Strawberries

    Explore More Recipes

    Footer

    About The Carefree Kitchen

    The Carefree Kitchen is where I get to share my love of food with you! Every recipe is tested and approved by my family and friends. These recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and delicious!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer • Terms and Conditions

    92 shares