Kid's Cheese Pizza (shareable) Recipe

Activate and mix dough

In a medium bowl, combine warm water (about 105–115°F / lukewarm) with sugar and instant dry yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Pour yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead and first rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with dough hook on medium for 4–5 minutes.) Form into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45–60 minutes.

Preheat oven and prepare pan

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Lightly oil a 12–14 inch round baking sheet or pizza pan and sprinkle with cornmeal or dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Shape the dough

Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 2 pieces for two smaller shareable pizzas or keep whole for one larger pie. For a shareable kid-sized pizza, divide into 2. Working with one portion at a time, press and stretch dough into a 9–10 inch round about 1/4 inch thick, leaving a slightly thicker rim for the crust. Transfer to the prepared pan.

Mix the tomato pizza sauce with dried oregano, garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning to mild preference. Spread about 1/4 cup sauce evenly over each shaped dough, leaving the outer rim bare. Use more or less sauce to taste, but keep it thin to avoid soggy pizza.

Evenly sprinkle about 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella over each sauced crust. If using cheddar, sprinkle a little on top of the mozzarella for color. Finish with a light dusting of grated parmesan for flavor. For picky kids, leave portions of the pizza with just mozzarella.

Bake

Place the pan or pizza stone in the preheated oven and bake 10–12 minutes, rotating once halfway, until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly. If you made one larger pizza, bake 12–15 minutes and check after 10 minutes to avoid overbrowning.

Finish

When the pizza is done, remove from oven and immediately brush the crust rim with melted butter for a soft, flavorful edge. Let the pizza rest 3–5 minutes to set. Slice into wedges and serve warm.