There’s nothing quite like a fresh, homemade classic cheese pizza. With a crisp crust, rich tomato sauce, and a perfect blend of melted mozzarella cheese, it’s a timeless favorite. Making pizza at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, and it’s easier than you might think! This recipe will guide you through the steps to create the perfect classic cheese pizza from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza:
- Fresh and Delicious: Made with simple ingredients, this pizza has a rich flavor from the sauce, cheese, and dough.
- Customizable: While this is a classic cheese pizza recipe, you can easily add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Homemade Crust: The homemade pizza dough makes all the difference with a crispy, chewy texture that can’t be beat.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (preferably fresh for the best melt)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil (for brushing the crust)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)