The Best Homemade Pizza Recipe, Plus a Dough Recipe and Pizza Night Activities
Whether you call it pizza or "za," (please don't call it that), chances are good that you enjoy having a slice or two from time to time. Sick of ordering out for pizza? You can easily make it at home! This will save you money (and maybe time), and it also allows you to customize your pizza and easily create something the whole family will love.
There are many different ways to make pizza, and what makes a pizza "the best" is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a traditional pizza with a thin, crispy crust and simple toppings like tomato sauce, cheese, and basil, while others like a thicker, softer crust topped with a wide variety of ingredients. Ultimately, the best pizza recipe is the one that you enjoy the most!
Don't have a favorite recipe on hand? Here is a simple recipe for homemade pizza that you can try at home.
Best Homemade Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup of tomato sauce
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
your choice of toppings (e.g. sliced mushrooms, diced onions, bell pepper strips, sliced olives, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 12 inches in diameter.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza pan.
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Add your desired toppings to the pizza.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
This is just one way to make homemade pizza - feel free to experiment with different toppings and techniques to find the method that works best for you. Enjoy!
Best Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Do you prefer homemade pizza dough? Or perhaps you are fine with store-bought, but you don't have any on hand? Fear not! You can make the dough yourself, too. Here is a simple recipe for homemade pizza dough that you can try at home.
Ingredients:
1 cup of warm water (110-115°F)
1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the bowl, and stir to combine.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles and divide it into two equal-sized balls.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is the desired thickness and shape. Use it to make your favorite pizza, or freeze it for later use.
The Perfect Pizza Night at Home
Having a family pizza night is a fun and easy way to spend time together and enjoy a delicious meal. There are many activities that you can do at home to make your pizza night even more special. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Make your own pizza dough: Instead of using store-bought dough, why not try making your own? This is a great activity for kids and adults alike, and it allows you to customize your pizza with your favorite ingredients. You can even make a few different doughs and let everyone in the family choose their own. Check out our recipe above if you need inspiration.
Create a toppings bar: Set up a toppings bar with a variety of ingredients and let everyone build their own pizza. This is a great way to let everyone choose their favorite toppings and create their own unique pizza. You can include everything from classic toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms to more creative options like pineapple and pesto.
Have a pizza-making competition: Divide your family into teams and have a friendly competition to see who can make the best pizza. You can set up different categories like "most creative" or "best traditional" and have everyone vote on their favorites. This is a fun way to get everyone involved and add a little bit of friendly competition to your pizza night.
Watch a pizza-themed movie: After you've enjoyed your pizzas, settle in for a pizza-themed movie. There are many great options to choose from, including classics like "Mystic Pizza" and newer choices like "Licorice Pizza." Have kids? Try "Toy Story" for a nod to Pizza Planet. You can even make it a double feature and watch two movies back-to-back.