Kids Cheese Pizza Recipe

Activate yeast

In a small bowl combine the 3 tbsp warm water, sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, the yeast may be inactive; try with fresh yeast.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and salt. Make a small well in the center.

Add the foamy yeast mixture, the additional 1/2 cup warm water and 1 tbsp olive oil to the flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough is sticky, add up to 2 tbsp more flour, a little at a time.

Form dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rest in a warm spot 30–45 minutes until doubled in size. For a quicker kid-friendly version, 20–30 minutes at a slightly warmer spot is usually enough.

Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Use your hands or a rolling pin to shape into a 9–10 inch round for a single kids-sized pizza (or divide to make two smaller rounds).

In a small bowl combine the 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp tomato paste, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/8 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp sugar (optional) and 1/2 tsp olive oil. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust salt or sugar if needed. The sauce should be mild and slightly sweet for kids.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender or whisk vigorously.

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

Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper or your work surface. Transfer the shaped dough to the parchment (if using) or a lightly oiled baking sheet. If using a pan, press the dough to an even 1/4–1/3 inch thickness, leaving a slightly thicker rim for the crust.

Spread 3–4 tablespoons of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the outer 1/2 inch exposed for the crust. Use less sauce for a thin layer favored by kids.

Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough. If desired, sprinkle 1 tbsp grated Parmesan and a tiny pinch (1/8 tsp) of dried basil over the cheese.

Brush the exposed crust lightly with 1/2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil to promote browning.

Bake on the preheated stone or baking sheet for 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly and the crust is golden. Smaller/thinner pizzas may finish closer to 7–8 minutes; thicker crusts may take up to 12 minutes.

Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Slice into child-friendly pieces (4–6 slices). Serve warm.