Baking the perfect pizza at home is no small feat, and my latest attempt was a mix of triumphs and lessons learned. Inspired by my love of pizza and my frequent critique of it, I decided to put my skills to the test with some friends. The goal? To create a few different styles of homemade pizza and see how close we could get to that perfect slice. Along the way, I discovered a few tricks, stumbled through some challenges, and ended up with a newfound appreciation for the art of pizza making. This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends.
We started simple, crafting a classic pizza with mozzarella, basil, and a homemade tomato sauce. As the evening progressed, we got more adventurous, experimenting with different toppings and techniques. While some pizzas turned out better than others, the experience of creating them was just as rewarding as the finished product. Here’s everything you need to know to make your own pizza night a success.
Homemade Pizza
Discover the joys (and challenges) of making pizza at home with this step-by-step recipe. From sauce to toppings, learn how to craft delicious homemade pizzas for family or friends!
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup canned tomatoes, blended
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 ounces thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Thinly sliced onions (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Optional: Toppings like olives, prosciutto, or your favorite vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can safely reach (typically 475–500°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- Prepare the sauce by blending canned tomatoes with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or your desired shape. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add mozzarella slices evenly across the pizza. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and thinly sliced onions on top. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven (or pizza stone) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing and serving.
Notes
If you’re using fresh toppings like basil or arugula, consider adding them after the pizza is baked for a fresh, vibrant flavor. For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like Parmesan or fontina, to create your own unique flavor combinations. If you want to make a healthier version, try using whole wheat dough and load up on vegetable toppings.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 250Total Fat: 10gSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15g
Additional Photos
