Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and stir gently. Let the yeast sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring your dough rises properly.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir the ingredients with a spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to sprinkle a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much.
- Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce
- Cook the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the tomato sauce, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and sugar. Stir until well combined and simmer for about 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before spreading it on your pizza dough.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up. A pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust, but you can also bake your pizza directly on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll out the dough with a rolling pin or stretch it with your hands into a 12-inch round (or any size you prefer for your pizza). If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to the stone.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: Place the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or your preheated pizza stone.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the Sauce: Using a spoon, spread the cooled pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Follow with the grated Parmesan. You can adjust the amount of cheese depending on how cheesy you want your pizza!
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like your crust extra crispy, bake it for a few additional minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The pizza should have a golden, crispy crust with slightly browned cheese on top.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Brush the Crust: For an extra touch, brush the crust with a bit of olive oil right after it comes out of the oven for a shiny finish.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Slice and Serve: Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Enjoy it while it’s hot!
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pizza.
- Enjoy with a Drink: This pizza pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of soda, iced tea, or even a glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.
Tips for Success:
- Make-Ahead Dough: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the pizza dough a day ahead. After it has risen, punch it down, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
- Crispy Crust: For a crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
- Cheese Selection: Use high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. For a more authentic taste, look for whole milk mozzarella.
Why This Recipe Works:
This classic cheese pizza recipe is simple yet satisfying, providing everything you crave in a pizza—crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and melty cheese. The dough is soft yet crisp, and the sauce is perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of tang from the tomatoes and sweetness from the sugar. It’s a foolproof recipe that ensures you’ll have delicious pizza every time!
Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner or for a fun pizza night with family and friends, this recipe will definitely become your go-to for homemade pizza. Enjoy!