Homemade Pizza Night

Pizza is a firm favorite in our household, and honestly—homemade always wins. It beats those sugar-loaded delivery pizzas every single time. The kids love it, and I love how easy it is to make from scratch. Once you try this recipe, you might never go back to takeout again! This recipe is my go-to for delicious, crusty pizza with a chewy center and vibrant, fresh flavor. It makes enough for 4 large or 6 medium pizzas—perfect for sharing or freezing extra dough for later!

Learn how to make the best homemade pizza with this easy dough and no-cook tomato sauce recipe.

Pizza dough

Pizza dough ready to be rolled

Pizza dough divided

Dough Ingredients:

• 7 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 2 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F / 45°C)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp sea salt

  
  

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water. Let it sit for 15 minutes until foamy.

2. Form the dough: Sift the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add the salt, olive oil, and activated yeast mixture. Gradually pour in the lukewarm water, mixing as you go, until a dough begins to form. Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch.

3. First rise: Transfer to a lightly floured bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

4. Divide and rest: Punch down the dough and divide into 4 large or 6 medium balls. Rest for 10–15 minutes before shaping.

   
   

No-Cook Pizza Sauce (makes for 2 large pizzas)

This simple, fresh sauce requires no cooking and comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14–15 oz / 400g) of whole or crushed tomatoes

• 1 garlic clove

• 1–2 tsp balsamic vinegar

• A handful of fresh basil or oregano

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add everything to a blender or food processor.

2. Blend until smooth (or keep it chunky if you prefer).

3. Taste and adjust

   
   
   
   
   

   Learn how to make the best homemade pizza with this easy dough and no-cook tomato sauce recipe.

   

   Learn how to make the best homemade pizza with this easy dough and no-cook tomato sauce recipe.
   
   

Baking

Preheat your oven as hot as it’ll go (450–500°F / 230–260°C)

How to Bake:

1. Roll or stretch out your dough on your lightly floured work top.

2. Add half of the sauce and any toppings except the cheese.

3. Slide the pizza onto your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.

4. Pull it out briefly, add your cheese, then return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.

This method keeps the cheese moist and prevents overbrowning—especially great with fresh mozzarella or soft cheese blends. Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing...