12 Inch Cheese Pizza Recipe

Activate and mix

In a large bowl, combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C), instant yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit 3–5 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, flour and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or knead with a stand mixer on medium speed for 4–5 minutes). Add small amounts of flour if excessively sticky; dough should be tacky but not sticky.

First rise

Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.

Shape for 12-inch pizza

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, press and stretch the dough into a roughly 12-inch circle (about 30 cm), leaving a slightly thicker rim for the crust. Transfer to a pizza peel or parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly cornmeal-dusted pizza pan.

Make sauce

In a small bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, optional sugar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust salt or sugar for brightness. This no-cook sauce keeps the pizza child-friendly and slightly sweet.

Portion sauce

Spread about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sauce evenly over the stretched 12-inch dough, leaving the outer 1/2-inch rim bare for the crust.

Add cheese

Distribute shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough so the cheese covers the surface in a single even layer. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top and lightly dust with 1/2 tsp dried oregano.

Finish and bake

Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack for at least 30 minutes. Brush the exposed crust rim with 1 tsp olive oil. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 8–12 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and crust is golden brown. If using a home oven that reaches only 475°F, bake 10–14 minutes and broil for 1 minute if you want extra browning (watch closely).

Rest and serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest 2–3 minutes to set the cheese. Slice into 6–8 child-friendly slices and serve warm. Optionally provide extra grated Parmesan on the side.