Kids Cheese Pizza Recipe

Prepare yeast

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If you prefer using a pizza stone heat it in the oven as it preheats. In a small bowl mix warm water (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C) with the sugar and instant yeast. Let sit 3–5 minutes until foamy. (If yeast doesn't foam, it's inactive; start again with fresh yeast.)

Make dough

In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. If the dough is too dry add up to 1 tablespoon warm water; if too sticky add up to 1 tablespoon flour.

Knead & rest

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4–5 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. Shape into a ball, coat lightly with a little olive oil, place in a clean bowl, and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let rest 10–15 minutes (short quick rise is fine for a kids pizza).

Shape crust

After resting, gently press the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel to form a 8–10 inch round (for 2 small kid-sized pizzas) or a single 10–12 inch pizza. Use your fingers to create a slightly thicker rim for the crust. If you like, sprinkle the baking surface with 1 tablespoon cornmeal before placing the dough.

While the dough rests, in a small bowl mix the tomato sauce with dried oregano, garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of the listed salt (reserve the rest for seasoning later). Taste and adjust—sauce should be mildly seasoned for kids.

Spread about 2–3 tablespoons of the sauce evenly over the shaped dough, leaving the rim free (about 1/2 inch). For two small pizzas split sauce between them (about 1.5 tbsp each).

Evenly sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella over the sauce. If using mild cheddar, sprinkle the 1/2 cup grated cheddar evenly on top or mix with the mozzarella for extra flavor. Lightly sprinkle the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt evenly over the cheese if desired (use less for very young children).

Optional: Dot the crust edge lightly with 1 teaspoon softened butter for a golden, kid-friendly crust once baked. If you prefer savory crust, brush with olive oil instead.

If you preheated a pizza stone, slide the pizza (on parchment or a well-floured peel) onto the hot stone. Otherwise place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the preheated oven.

Bake for 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown slightly. Baking time varies with oven and pizza size; for two small pizzas check around 7–9 minutes.

Remove pizza from oven. Sprinkle parmesan if using. Let rest 2–3 minutes, then slice into kid-friendly pieces. Serve warm.