Homemade Cheesy Pizza Recipe 🧀🍕
Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, and making it at home is easier than you might think. This homemade cheesy pizza recipe is perfect for anyone who loves gooey, melted cheese on a crispy crust. With a simple dough, flavorful tomato sauce, and a delicious blend of cheeses, this pizza is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a fun weekend treat, follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect homemade cheesy pizza.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
½ cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
For the Sauce:
1 cup tomato sauce
1 clove garlic (minced)
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Toppings:
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (grated)
½ cup cheddar cheese (optional)
½ cup parmesan cheese (optional)
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Ingredients
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then drizzle in olive oil.
Mix everything together until a rough dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the tomato sauce.
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Once done, set the sauce aside and let it cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out into a round or rectangular pizza shape, depending on your preference.
Carefully place the rolled-out dough onto a greased baking tray or pizza stone.
Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top. If using cheddar and parmesan, add them as well for extra flavor and creaminess.
Add red chili flakes and Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Slice into pieces, serve hot, and enjoy your homemade cheesy pizza!
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Pizza
Perfect Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, sprinkle a little more flour until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Extra Crispy Crust: Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings to ensure a crispier base.
Cheese Variations: Mix different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or feta for a unique flavor twist.
Veggie & Meat Additions: Customize your pizza with toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, pepperoni, or cooked sausage.
Prevent a Soggy Crust: Avoid overloading the pizza with too much sauce or too many wet ingredients.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispy texture. You can also use a skillet for a quick reheat on medium heat.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade cheesy pizza is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to control the quality of ingredients, but you also get to customize it exactly to your taste. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza or enjoy experimenting with various toppings, this recipe provides a solid foundation for making the perfect pizza at home. Give it a try and treat yourself to a delicious, homemade cheesy pizza anytime!
This recipe is free to use, modify, and share without copyright restrictions.