Homemade Pizza Recipe

Homemade Pizza Recipe
Make your own delicious homemade pizza with this easy recipe. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a fun family meal!

Ingredients
For the Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
2 tablespoons oil (olive oil is a great choice)
For the Toppings:

1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, sausage, etc.)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Make the Dough:

Add the flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise:

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
Shape the Pizza:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the Dough:

Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza peel (if using a pizza stone).
Add Toppings:

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Add your favorite toppings.
Bake the Pizza:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve:

Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade pizza!
Tips
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding herbs like oregano or basil to your dough for extra flavor!
Crust Variations: For a thicker crust, use a deep-dish pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade pizza night!