Small 8 Piece Pizza Recipe

Activate yeast and combine

Place warm water in a small bowl, stir in sugar, then sprinkle instant yeast over the surface. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the foamy yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Form and knead dough

Mix with a wooden spoon or your hand until a shaggy dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough is sticky, add up to 1 tablespoon more flour, a little at a time.

First rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let rise in a warm draft-free spot until doubled, about 40–60 minutes.

While dough rises, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper and 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside at room temperature.

Preheat and shape

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal or flour. Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Using your fingers, press and stretch the dough into a small 8-inch round (for an 8-piece pizza) about 1/4 inch thick, leaving a slightly thicker rim for the crust.

Top the pizza

Brush the dough rim lightly with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the rim bare. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Scatter grated Parmesan on top. Add pepperoni slices in an even layer if using, and sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste.

Bake

Transfer the pizza (on the peel or baking sheet) to the preheated oven or stone. Bake until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling, 8–12 minutes depending on oven and thickness. Rotate once halfway through for even browning.

Finish

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top if using. Slice into 8 pieces with a pizza cutter. Serve immediately.