Any 2 Medium Pizzas Recipe

Activate yeast and mix dough

In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well, add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until a rough dough forms.

Knead and rest

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough is sticky, sprinkle with a little additional flour. Shape into a ball, lightly oil the bowl, place dough back in, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place 30–45 minutes until doubled. (If using store-bought crusts, skip to 'Preheat oven' step.)

Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. Lightly dust two pizza peels or baking sheets with cornmeal or flour.

Divide and shape

Punch down the risen dough and divide into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll each piece into a medium pizza (about 10–12 inches). Transfer each crust to the prepared peel or sheet.

Top the pizzas

Spread about 1/2 cup pizza sauce evenly over each crust, leaving a 1/2 inch border for the crust. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella across each pizza (approximately half of the 2 cups per pizza). Add toppings (about 1/2 cup pepperoni per pizza or your preferred toppings). Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano over each pizza.

Bake

Slide the pizzas onto the preheated stone or place sheets in the oven. Bake 8–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Rotate halfway through baking for even color. If using a sheet pan, baking might take 10–14 minutes.

Finish and rest

Remove pizzas from oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and torn basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve immediately with the dips.

Prepare ranch (if using store-bought)

Pour 1 cup store-bought ranch dressing into a small serving bowl, garnish with a sprinkle of dried herbs or chives if desired, and serve chilled.

Warm marinara

Pour 1 cup marinara into a small saucepan and warm over low heat for 3–5 minutes until gently simmering, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a serving bowl for pizza dipping.

Quick garlic butter

Make or warm garlic butter by melting 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1–2 minced garlic cloves over low heat, cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in 1/2 cup softened butter or additional oil to reach ~1 cup total. Keep warm in a small bowl for dipping.

Spicy buffalo dip (quick)

Combine 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank's) with 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream to make ~1 cup creamy buffalo dip. Adjust heat to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Chill or open the 2 cans of soda and place them in a bucket with ice or serve straight from the fridge alongside the pizzas and dips.

Arrange the four dips in individual small bowls around the sliced pizzas so guests can choose. Provide napkins and plates.