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Easy Homemade Pizza Night

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A simple and fun homemade pizza recipe perfect for family nights with kids, featuring easy dough and customizable toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 105°F/40°C)
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Your favorite veggies: sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cherry tomatoes
  • Optional proteins: pepperoni, cooked sausage, or grilled chicken
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add olive oil and yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 6 minutes on medium speed.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil the bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare sauce: Mix crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place pizza stone in oven if using.
  7. Shape the dough: Punch down risen dough, divide if desired, and roll or stretch on a floured surface to desired thickness.
  8. Assemble: Transfer dough to baking sheet or pizza peel. Spread sauce leaving a border, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Watch closely after 10 minutes.
  10. Finish & serve: Remove pizza, let rest a few minutes, then top with fresh basil before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use warm water to activate yeast properly. Let dough rise slowly for best texture. Stretch dough by hand instead of rolling to keep air bubbles. Pat watery toppings dry to avoid soggy crust. Watch baking time closely to prevent burning. Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, family pizza night, pizza dough, kid-friendly dinner, pizza toppings, quick pizza