I have a confession to make - I am absolutely obsessed with homemade pizza. There's just something magical about the smell of freshly baked crust, the gooey cheese, and the endless possibilities of toppings. And let me tell you, after years of perfecting my recipe, I've learned a thing or two about making the best homemade pizza that will blow your mind.
How do you make a good Homemade Pizza?
Are you a pizza person? (Is there anyone who isn't?) At my house, we do pizza every Friday, and we usually make it right here at home. I've been experimenting with homemade pizza for years, and I'm here to share all my tips and tricks with you.
Today, I'll be sharing my complete guide to making the best homemade pizza. From the perfect dough to the tastiest toppings, I've got you covered. So let's dive in!
Tips for making homemade pizza:
Here are some of my tried and tested tips for making the best homemade pizza:
- Use a homemade dough with lots of flavor. The dough is the foundation of a good pizza, so don't skimp on it. I'll be sharing my secret dough recipe in another post, so stay tuned!
- Use a decent pizza sauce. The sauce adds a burst of flavor to your pizza, so make sure it's delicious. You can try my homemade pizza sauce recipe, which I'll be sharing soon.
- Preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial. Trust me, your pizza will turn out so much better if you let your oven heat up properly.
- Par bake your pizza crust. This step ensures that your pizza has a crispy bottom and a cooked center. It's worth the extra effort!
- Use a pizza stone for crisp edges. This is non-negotiable. Your regular oven just doesn't cut it when it comes to making pizza. Investing in a pizza stone will take your pizza game to the next level.
How to make Homemade Pizza - Step by Step
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of making homemade pizza. I'll walk you through it step by step.
Step 1: Preheat your oven
The first thing you need to do is preheat your oven as high as it will go. Give it at least 30 minutes to heat up properly. If you have a pizza stone, make sure it's inside the preheating oven.
Step 2: Roll out the dough
Start with about 12-16 ounces of dough. You can use my homemade dough recipe or any store-bought dough. Prepare your work surface by drizzling some olive oil on it. Rub the oil around with your hands.
Place the dough in the center of your work surface and use your hands to press it down, starting from the center. Gently pat out the dough, moving it outward from the center. Leave a healthy crust on the edges.
Step 3: Par bake the crust
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a square of parchment paper. Stretch and arrange the dough on the parchment paper. Let it rest for 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker crust.
Once the oven is up to temperature, do a 1 to 2-minute par bake. Use a pizza peel or a flat baking sheet to transfer the pizza dough (still on the parchment paper) onto your pizza stone, pan, or baking sheet. Bake it until it is slightly puffed.
Step 4: Add the toppings
Start by spreading pizza sauce on the par-baked crust. Then, add your favorite toppings. Mozzarella cheese is a must, and don't forget to sprinkle some parmesan on top for an extra flavor boost. Get creative with your toppings - the sky is the limit!
Step 5: Bake the pizza
Slide the pizza directly onto the pizza stone or pan. Bake it for about 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Make sure to minimize the time you have the oven door open to retain the temperature.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Take your pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it up and savor every bite of your homemade masterpiece.
Do you need a pizza stone to make Homemade Pizza?
Yes and no. A pizza stone is definitely a game-changer when it comes to making homemade pizza. It turns your regular oven into a mini brick oven, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust. The stone absorbs heat and provides even cooking.
That being said, if you're just starting out or don't want to make the investment, there are alternatives. Using a preheated rimmed baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal or a pizza pan with holes in the bottom can work, but the results won't be as perfect as with a pizza stone.
Homemade Pizza for Life
Once you master the art of making homemade pizza, there's no going back. You'll be able to enjoy your favorite pizza anytime, anywhere. The possibilities for toppings are endless, from classic pepperoni to gourmet combinations.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on your homemade pizza journey. Trust me, the satisfaction and taste of a homemade pizza are truly unbeatable.
Let the pizza-making adventures begin!
Don't forget to check out my other posts in this series:
More Pizza recipes you will want to check out!
- Easy No Cook Pizza Sauce
- Cast Iron Pan Pizza (Pizza Hut Pan Pizza Copycat!)
- Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil
- Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions
- Cherry Tomato and Goat Cheese Pizza
- Classic Stromboli Recipe
- Veggie Pizza from Neighborfood
- Asparagus Pizza with Garlic Confit from Fox and Briar
- Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs from Sweet Peas and Saffron
Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more delicious recipes and pizza inspiration.
Remember, there's no bond like the one formed over a shared pizza. Enjoy!
