14" Cheese Pizza Recipe
Make 14" Cheese Pizza Recipe in just 2h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dough
Sauce
Cheese & Topping
Method
Dough
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C) with sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
Mix Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, about 2–3 minutes by mixer or 4–6 minutes by hand.
- 3
Knead
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 4–5 minutes in mixer on medium speed). If dough is too sticky, add up to 2 tablespoons more flour, a little at a time.
- 4
First Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl with a little olive oil, place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.
- 5
Shape
After the dough has doubled, punch it down and transfer to a lightly floured surface. For one 14-inch pizza, shape the dough into a ball and let rest 10 minutes. Then stretch/roll into a 14-inch round, leaving a slightly thicker rim. Transfer to a 14-inch pizza pan, pizza stone, or parchment-lined baking sheet. If using a pizza stone, place the shaped dough on a floured pizza peel.
Sauce
- 6
Cook Sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
- 7
Season
Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional). Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10–15 minutes to thicken and concentrate flavors. Taste and adjust salt or sugar if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Cheese & Assembly
- 8
Preheat Oven
Place oven rack in the lower-middle position. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) or as high as your oven safely allows for at least 30 minutes. If using a pizza stone, preheat stone inside the oven.
- 9
Assemble Pizza
Brush the shaped dough lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil (this helps prevent sogginess). Spread an even layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2–3/4 inch border for the crust. Sprinkle 3 3/4 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, reserving about 1/4 cup for finishing. Evenly sprinkle the grated parmesan over the mozzarella. If you like, add red pepper flakes and a light dusting of dried oregano on top.
- 10
- 11
Finish
Remove pizza from oven and immediately sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella in any spots that need more coverage and the remaining parmesan if desired. Let rest 2–3 minutes, then slice. Optionally brush the crust with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of dried oregano before serving.