Kids Pizza Recipe

Mix dough

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp instant yeast, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir to distribute the yeast and salt evenly.

Add liquids

Add 1/3 cup warm water (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C) and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. If dough is sticky, sprinkle up to 1 tablespoon extra flour while kneading.

Rest

Shape dough into a small ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

While dough rests, make the sauce. In a small bowl mix 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp tomato paste, 1/4 tsp minced garlic, 1/8 tsp dried oregano, 1/8 tsp sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, a pinch (1/16 tsp) black pepper, and 1/4 tsp olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep sauce slightly chunky and not too watery so it doesn’t make the crust soggy.

Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Alternatively, use a rimmed baking sheet turned upside down and preheated.

Shape crust

On a lightly floured surface, press or roll the rested dough into a 7–8 inch round, about 1/4 inch thick for a kids-size pizza. Don’t overstretch; leave a slightly thicker edge for the crust.

Add sauce

Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment or the preheated baking surface. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the red sauce onto the center and spread evenly, leaving about 1/2 inch border around the edge.

Add cheese (house blend)

Combine 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup shredded mild cheddar, and 1/16 cup grated Parmesan (about 1 tablespoon) to form the house blend. Evenly sprinkle the cheese blend over the sauced dough.

Add optional toppings

If using, arrange up to 10 mini pepperoni slices or 2 tablespoons combined of sliced olives/diced bell pepper evenly over the cheese. Keep toppings light for a kids pizza.

Brush crust

Lightly brush the exposed crust with 1/2 teaspoon melted unsalted butter to help it brown and taste buttery.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven on the pizza stone or inverted baking sheet for 7–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the crust is golden. Watch closely — small pizzas cook fast.

Rest and serve

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Slice into 4 small slices appropriate for a child and serve warm.