🍕🧀 Homemade Cheese Pizza

Homemade Cheese Pizza is a classic favorite made with a soft, chewy crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. Simple, comforting, and customizable, it’s perfect for family pizza nights or weekend cooking.

Prep Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Rise: 1–2 hours
• Bake: 10–15 minutes
• Total: About 2 hours

Servings

2 medium pizzas (8 slices each)

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1¼ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pizza Sauce

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Topping

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Let flavors combine while dough rises.

3. Shape the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 475–500°F (245–260°C).
2. Divide dough into two portions.
3. Roll or stretch into pizza rounds.
4. Place on a pizza pan or baking stone.
5. Spread sauce evenly.
6. Add mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Bake

1. Bake for 10–15 minutes until:
   • Cheese is melted and bubbly
   • Crust is golden and crisp
2. Add fresh basil if desired.
3. Slice and serve hot.

Serving Ideas

• 🥗 Caesar salad
• 🧄 Garlic knots
• 🌶 Red pepper flakes
• 🥤 Cold drinks

Variations

🍕 Four Cheese Pizza

Add:

• Provolone
• Fontina
• Ricotta
• Parmesan

🧄 Garlic Butter Cheese Pizza

Brush crust with:

• Melted butter
• Garlic
• Parsley

🍅 Margherita Style

Top with:

• Fresh mozzarella
• Basil
• Fresh tomato slices

Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza

• Use high heat for a crispier crust.
• Don’t overload with sauce—too much can make the pizza soggy.
• Let mozzarella drain slightly if using fresh cheese.
• A pizza stone or steel gives the closest restaurant-style crust.