There’s something universally loved about a classic cheese pizza—simple, yet utterly delicious. With its crispy crust, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, a Cheese Pizza is the perfect balance of savory and satisfying. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or just craving comfort food, this recipe is a must-try! With just a few basic ingredients, you can create the perfect pizza right in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this ultimate cheese pizza from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

While the dough is rising, prepare the tomato sauce. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out to your desired thickness (about 12 inches in diameter) and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet.

Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Follow with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and richness.

4. Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cheese should have slight golden spots on top, and the crust should be perfectly crispy around the edges.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top for extra richness and shine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your perfect cheese pizza!

Tips for the Best Cheese Pizza

• Cheese Variety: You can experiment with different types of cheese! While mozzarella is the go-to cheese for a cheese pizza, adding a mix of provolone, fontina, or a little ricotta can enhance the flavor and texture.
• Crispier Crust: For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. This ensures even heat distribution and a perfectly crunchy base.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the sauce or cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
• Thin Crust: If you prefer a thin and crispy crust, roll the dough thinner before baking. You can also brush the crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.

Conclusion

Classic Cheese Pizza is the epitome of comfort food. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and tangy tomato sauce, this pizza will never go out of style. It’s simple yet satisfying, and with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can make this ultimate cheese pizza in your own kitchen. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or to impress your friends at a pizza party, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a delicious homemade pizza.

Happy cooking! 🍕