How to Make a Simple Homemade Pizza Recipe — Soft, Cheesy & Perfect for Beginners

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Freshly baked homemade pizza with melted mozzarella, colorful toppings, and golden crust on a rustic wooden table in a bright home kitchen, surrounded by fresh ingredients, cozy and appetizing view

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make a simple homemade pizza recipe, you’re in the right place. This recipe is designed for beginners who want a soft, chewy crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey, perfectly melted cheese. The best part? You don’t need hours of preparation or professional equipment — just a few pantry staples and basic kitchen tools.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of making pizza at home and impress your friends and family with a soft, cheesy homemade pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Pair it with some crunchy sides, like Homemade Pickles Easy Recipe — Quick, Crunchy, and Delicious Refrigerator Pickles, for a complete meal.

Why This Homemade Pizza Recipe Works for Beginners

  • No long rising time — the dough is quick and easy.

  • Simple ingredients — mostly pantry staples you already have.

  • Cheesy perfection — tips for extra gooey and melty cheese.

  • Customizable toppings — make it vegetarian, meaty, or everything in between.

This how to make a simple homemade pizza recipe — soft, cheesy & perfect for beginners is beginner-friendly yet delicious enough to satisfy pizza lovers of all ages. You can even serve it with a healthy dessert like How to Control Diabetes Naturally Without Medicine after the meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

  • 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)

  • 1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • 2½–3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for the bowl

For the Easy Pizza Sauce

  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

  • Your favorite toppings: pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

  2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir until a ball forms. Gradually add the remaining flour ½ cup at a time until dough is smooth but slightly tacky.

  3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–6 minutes until soft and elastic.

  4. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and rest for 10 minutes.

2. Make the Sauce

  1. In a separate bowl, mix tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  2. Adjust seasoning to taste. For more tips on perfect pizza sauce, see Food Network – Easy Pizza Sauce Recipe.

3. Prepare for Baking

  1. Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C).

  2. Divide rested dough in half (for two 12-inch pizzas). Roll out one half on a lightly floured surface.

4. Assemble and Bake

  1. Carefully transfer the dough to the hot baking sheet.

  2. Spread a thin layer of sauce, leaving a 1-inch border.

  3. Top with half of the mozzarella and parmesan. Add any desired toppings.

  4. Bake 12–14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.

  5. Let cool a few minutes, slice, and serve. Repeat with remaining dough.

For a foolproof dough guide, check King Arthur Baking – Pizza Dough Tips.

Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza

  • Extra cheesy pizza: Mix mozzarella with provolone or gouda for richer flavor.

  • Crispy edges: Brush the crust lightly with olive oil before baking.

  • Perfect toppings: Don’t overload; balance veggies, cheese, and meat.

  • Quick clean-up: Use parchment paper on the baking sheet.

FAQ — People Also Ask

Q1: Can I make this pizza dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: How can I make the crust softer?
A: Don’t overbake and brush edges with olive oil. Also, avoid too much flour while rolling.

Q3: Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
A: Absolutely! But this homemade sauce is easy, flavorful, and takes under 5 minutes.

Q4: How to make it vegetarian or vegan?
A: Use plant-based cheese and your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.

Q5: Can I bake this on a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet?
A: Yes, preheat the stone in the oven for 20 minutes for a crispier crust.

Conclusion

Learning how to make a simple homemade pizza recipe doesn’t have to be intimidating. With this guide, you can prepare a soft, cheesy pizza that’s perfect for beginners. From a quick dough to easy sauce and customizable toppings, this recipe is foolproof and delicious.

Start experimenting today and enjoy homemade pizza that your friends and family will love. Don’t forget to pair it with crunchy pickles or a fresh salad for a full meal experience!


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