10" Cheese Pizza Recipe

Activate yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water (100–110°F), sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy and aromatic.

Mix dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Make a well, add yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 4–5 minutes.

First rise

Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1¼ hours.

Shape

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape into a 10-inch round. On a piece of parchment or dusted pizza peel, press from center to edge leaving a slightly thicker rim for the crust. If dough resists, let rest 10 minutes and try again.

Combine sauce ingredients

In a small bowl, stir together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. This makes a lightly seasoned pizza sauce (thin, spreadable).

Optional simmer

If you prefer a thicker, cooked sauce, briefly simmer the sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, then cool to room temperature before using.

Preheat oven

Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack. Preheat oven to its highest setting (475–500°F / 245–260°C) for at least 30 minutes so the surface is very hot.

Assemble pizza

Dust the parchment or peel with 1 teaspoon cornmeal. Transfer the shaped 10" dough onto it. Spoon 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the sauce onto the center and spread evenly, leaving a 3/4"–1" rim. Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella (about 2 cups) over the sauce and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.

Bake

Slide the pizza (on parchment) onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden and blistered and cheese is melted and bubbly. Rotate halfway if your oven heats unevenly.

Finish

Remove pizza from oven. Immediately brush the crust lightly with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil for shine and flavor. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves across the top if using. Let rest 2–3 minutes before slicing.