Cheese Pizza Recipe
Classic cheese pizza with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dough
Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Make Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until it forms a dough.
- 3
Knead Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Sauce Preparation
- 5
Cook Sauce
In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 6
Add Tomatoes and Season
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and salt. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Pizza Assembly
- 7
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- 8
Shape Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it back to a floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- 9
Add Sauce and Cheese
Transfer the shaped dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- 10
Bake Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- 11
Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle with olive oil and top with fresh basil leaves. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
