Cheese Pizza
A homemade classic that never disappoints! Chewy, crisp crust, a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce, and a generous layer of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a fun family dinner night.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pizza Dough
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Add 1 cup of warm water and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- d.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- e.Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat with oil.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Let the Dough Rise
- b.Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- c.Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare Sauce and Preheat Oven
- b.While the dough rises, prepare the no-cook sauce. In a small bowl, stir together 0.75 cup crushed tomatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
- c.About 30 minutes before baking, place a pizza stone or steel in the oven (if using) and preheat to 475°F (245°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape and Assemble the Pizza
- b.Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- c.Using your hands, gently stretch the dough into a 12 to 14-inch circle, leaving the outer edge slightly thicker for the crust.
- d.Sprinkle a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet with 1 tbsp of cornmeal. Carefully place the stretched dough on top.
- e.Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- f.Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Pizza
- b.Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone or place your pan in the oven.
- c.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set.
- c.Garnish with optional grated Parmesan cheese, slice, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt and flavor, use low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella and shred it yourself from a block.
- 2A hot pizza stone or steel is key to a crispy crust. Make sure to preheat it with your oven for at least 30-45 minutes.
- 3Don't use a rolling pin to shape the dough. Stretching by hand preserves the air bubbles, resulting in a lighter, chewier crust.
- 4Go easy on the sauce. A thin layer is all you need; too much will make the crust soggy.
- 5Ensure your yeast is active before starting. You can 'proof' it by mixing it with the warm water and sugar and letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Margherita Pizza
Top the sauce with fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded. After baking, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Veggie PizzaVeggie Pizza
Add your favorite vegetables like sliced bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, and black olives on top of the cheese before baking.
White Pizza (Pizza Bianca)White Pizza (Pizza Bianca)
Omit the tomato sauce. Brush the dough with olive oil and minced garlic, then top with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Whole Wheat CrustWhole Wheat Crust
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Calcium
The generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan cheese provides a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Rich in Lycopene
The tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides Energy
The crust is made from flour, a carbohydrate that serves as the body's primary source of energy, making this a satisfying and energizing meal.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two slices contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the exact amount of cheese and oil used. This is an estimate and can vary.