Simple Cheese Pizza

Recommended Tools & Kitchen Gear:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Cheese Pizza:

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.

Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix 3½ cups flour with salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. Add more flour if needed until the dough is soft and manageable.

Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2️⃣ Build the Pizza:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle to fit your baking sheet or pizza pan.

Transfer to Pan: Place dough on a lightly oiled rectangular baking sheet or pizza pan, stretching it to fit.

Add Sauce & Toppings: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small crust border. Top with shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle black pepper and brush crust with olive oil. Add grated Parmesan if desired.

3️⃣ Bake and Serve:

Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.

Slice and Serve: Let cool slightly, then cut into squares or slices. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!

Quick Snapshot:

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 1 hour rise)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes active, 1 hour 30 minutes total
Servings: 4–6
Calories: ~330 kcal per slice (depending on size)

Pro Tips for Pizza Perfection:

Flour Flexibility: Start with 3½ cups flour—add more only as needed for a soft dough.
Crispy Crust Trick: Preheat the baking sheet for a few minutes before placing dough for a crispier base.
Sauce Swap: Want it extra cheesy? Use less sauce and add more mozzarella!
Crust Upgrade: Sprinkle garlic powder or Italian herbs onto the crust before baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Classic Combo: Tomato sauce + mozzarella = pure comfort.
Homemade Dough: Soft inside, golden outside—better than takeout.
Family-Friendly: Simple ingredients, kid-approved flavor.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and make it your own.

FAQ About Simple Cheese Pizza:

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! Let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp before rolling.

Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.

Can I add toppings? Of course! Pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers are all great additions.

Common Problems and Fixes:

Dough too sticky? Add flour 1 tbsp at a time while kneading—don’t overdo it.

Crust too soggy? Make sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t overload with sauce.

Cheese not browning? Bake a minute longer or broil briefly at the end (watch carefully!).

Flavor Variations You Can Try:

Herb Crust: Add dried oregano or garlic powder to the dough.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper on top before baking.
Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina.
White Pizza: Skip the red sauce and use garlic butter + ricotta + mozzarella.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a family movie night, or a Friday-night classic, this Simple Cheese Pizza is always the right move. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and totally crave-worthy.

Pizza Night Success:

Golden crust, gooey cheese, and that unmistakable pizza shop aroma—this homemade cheese pizza hits all the right notes. Simple ingredients, huge flavor, and ready to become your new go-to.

Made it? Show off your slice! Tag your cheesy pizza masterpiece and let the world see your dough skills in action!