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Easy Homemade Pizza Recipe: Quick Rise Dough and Simple Sauce

Cross-section of thick-crust homemade pizza showing airy dough and gooey, browned mozzarella cheese.
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Make satisfying, restaurant-quality homemade pizza from scratch using this easy recipe. Includes instructions for a quick-rise dough and a simple homemade pizza sauce for your next family pizza night.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This confirms the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, and baking powder to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks, add a small amount of flour, one tablespoon at a time.
  4. First rise (Quick Option): Lightly coat a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Make the homemade pizza sauce: While the dough rises, combine the tomato paste, 1/4 cup water, minced garlic, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well until smooth. Set aside.
  6. Preheat and prepare: Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in your oven and preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
  7. Shape the dough: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it in half if you are making two smaller pizzas, or use the whole batch for one large sheet pan pizza. Stretch or roll the dough into your desired shape (round or rectangular for sheet pan pizza).
  8. Assemble the pizza: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel. Spread the homemade pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Top with mozzarella cheese and your preferred toppings.
  9. Bake: Carefully slide the pizza (on the parchment paper, if using) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  10. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve immediately for a delicious family pizza dinner.

Notes

  • For a chewier, artisan pizza dough crust, cover the dough after the first mix and let it proof slowly in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours instead of the 1-hour rise.
  • If you want a crispier homemade pizza base, brush the edges of the dough lightly with olive oil before baking.
  • You can substitute the sauce ingredients for a White Garlic Pizza Sauce recipe if you prefer a non-tomato base.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/easy-homemade-pizza-recipe-quick-dough/