Understanding that cooking from scratch can be intimidating, especially when it comes to preparing a dish as intricate as pizza, is perfectly normal. Ultimately, mastering the art of dough spinning and wood-fired pizza ovens takes time and practice, but it’s not necessary for creating mouthwatering homemade pizzas. In fact, you don’t need specialized equipment or extensive cooking experience to make restaurant-worthy pizzas in the comfort of your own home.
Users can easily find a wealth of inspiration online, with countless recipes and topping combinations available at their fingertips. So, why not scroll through some of the best homemade pizza recipes and save the ones that catch your eye? The creative possibilities are endless, and it’s likely you’ll discover new favorites to impress your guests!
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
Often overlooked is the origin of America’s favorite pepperoni pizza, a dish that was introduced in New York City as late as 1919. This may come as a surprise to some, but it gets even more interesting – if you were to order a ‘pepperoni’ pizza in Italy, what you’d likely get is a pie topped with sliced bell peppers! The name ‘pepperoni’, after all, translates directly from Italian to mean ‘peppers.
‘ Given its rich history and unique cultural twist, we felt it necessary to kick off our list with this classic recipe, which not only shares the secrets of achieving that perfect American pepperoni pizza but also offers some handy tips for those looking to take their pizza game to the next level.
Pizza Dough Recipe
Working with this fail-safe pizza dough recipe is a decision that will reward you with consistently delicious results. It’s well worth printing out and sticking to the inside of your baking cupboard, as once you try it, you’ll find yourself revisiting it time and time again. What sets this recipe apart from others is its speed – unlike some recipes, it doesn’t take hours to prove. Instead, you’ll need to leave the dough for just 30 minutes to rise, giving you enough time to prep your toppings.
It’s essential to also give your oven sufficient time to heat up and reach its top temperature, ensuring that your pizza cooks evenly and perfectly.
Margherita Pizza
Revamping your pizza game has never been easier, thanks to this incredible recipe that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. This speedy yet satisfying meal is perfect for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, but still crave something truly delicious. So, what’s the secret behind its rapid preparation and delectable taste? The answer lies in using naan as the base – yes, you read that right!
Naan, specifically garlic-flavored stone-fired shop-bought naan, is the key to unlocking this recipe’s magic. By incorporating this clever twist, you’ll be treated to an explosion of flavors in every bite, making it an absolute game-changer for your next pizza night.
Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Savoring the flavors of a classic BBQ pizza, topped with pulled chicken, cilantro, finely sliced red onions, mozzarella, and BBQ sauce. Using store-bought BBQ sauce and rotisserie chicken can significantly cut down on preparation time, making this recipe perfect for a quick and delicious meal. However, to take it to the next level and balance out the richness of the sauce and cheese, consider adding an extra layer of flavor with your favorite ranch dressing.
Mexican Pizza Recipe
Delve into a culinary experience that combines two of your favorite foods – Taco Bell and takeout pizza – in one dish. Dubbed as a giant taco, this recipe offers a solution for those who are still grieving over the loss of Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza menu item. Thankfully, this creation perfectly replicates the flavors and textures that made the original so beloved.
With an array of ingredients such as shredded Jack cheese, taco seasoning, refried beans, olives, sour cream, and green onions, you can rest assured that the flavor is not lacking in this oversized taco.
Cheesesteak Pizza
Creating a culinary masterpiece that combines the flavors of the iconic Philly Cheese Steak with a pizza twist is a dream come true for many food enthusiasts. This mouth-watering creation starts with a rich and creamy sauce made from white garlic and olive oil, providing a perfect base for the toppings. The beef crumbles add a hearty touch, while the peppers bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
To complete this classic Philly flavor profile, a blend of provolone and mozzarella cheese is added on top, guaranteeing a satisfying taste experience with each bite. This recipe is an ideal companion for a cozy night in during the colder months, paired perfectly with a good movie to snuggle up with. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to the streets of Philadelphia without ever leaving your living room.
If you or anyone you’re serving has dietary restrictions, don’t worry – simply swap out the ground beef for vegetarian mince, and this pizza remains just as scrumptious, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Taco Pizza
Key to recreating the flavor profile of tacos on a pizza is swapping out the traditional tomato sauce for more familiar ingredients like salsa and refried beans. The crispy texture of a pillowy and crusty pizza dough base takes the place of the thin corn tortilla, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. While shredded cheddar cheese is suggested as an option, Jack cheese or any spicy Mexican cheese blend would also complement the flavors of this taco-inspired pizza perfectly.
Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza
Not only can this pizza be prepared in no time, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner, but it also utilizes a store-bought flatbread as the base. While it may not be the healthiest option due to its reliance on a blend of three kinds of cheese, we take comfort in knowing that a generous serving (5oz) of spinach helps to balance things out somewhat.
As for the pesto sauce, rather than making your own from scratch, store-bought is perfectly acceptable and can save you a significant amount of time.
Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza
Giving pizza enthusiasts the opportunity to create a deep dish-style pizza at home, this recipe delivers a pillowy crust that’s sure to satisfy your cravings! A cast-iron skillet plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and color distribution of the crust. Feel free to customize it with your preferred toppings – pepperoni can be swapped out for other options or whatever you have available, as long as you keep the iron skillet at the heart of this recipe.
Barbeque Chicken Pizza
Not only does Colby Jack cheese elevate the flavor of this particular pizza, but its subtle sweetness also creates an intriguing contrast when paired with the richness of barbeque sauce. For those who crave a spicy kick, adding some chopped jalapeños on top after baking is a great way to add depth and excitement to each bite.
The key to unlocking a truly mouthwatering pizza lies in marinating your chicken in barbeque sauce before adding it to the crust – this clever technique allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly, resulting in a far more satisfying taste experience overall.
Spinach Artichoke Pizza
Rest assured that this vegan pizza recipe has something for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. You might think that the ‘vegan’ label means it’s not worth exploring, but trust us, you’d be missing out on a game-changing dish. The secret to achieving that quintessential cheesiness lies in three unlikely ingredients: cashews, white beans, and nutritional yeast.
It may sound counterintuitive, but when combined, these ingredients create a rich, creamy texture and flavor profile that’s remarkably similar to traditional cheese.
Roasted Tomato Flatbread Pizza
Joining the ranks of innovative sauce creators is the game-changing approach of roasting tomatoes before incorporating them into your Marinara recipe. Just as a high heat can transform ordinary vegetables into crispy, caramelized delights, the same principle applies to tomatoes when roasted at a high temperature. This process unlocks the natural sugars within the tomatoes, resulting in rich, smoky flavors that mirror the depth and complexity of pepperoni slices, without the need for actual meat.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Zeroing in on a crowd-pleasing pizza recipe, this barbeque sauce-smothered pie is the perfect fit for game nights with families. The combination of shredded chicken, melted cheese, and tangy barbeque sauce creates a smoky and sweet flavor profile that kids and adults alike will adore. To add an extra burst of freshness to the pizza, cilantro can be sprinkled on top at the end – parsley would also work wonderfully as a substitute.
For a fun twist, involve your little ones in the toppings selection process and let them pick their favorite additions such as diced peppers, sweet corn, or chopped bell peppers.
Grilled Honey Goat Cheese Pizza
Working with unique flavor combinations can lead to some truly exceptional and memorable pizzas. The combination of pecans and honey, paired with the tangy and savory notes of goat’s cheese, creates an original pizza topping experience. These creative topping ideas are definitely worth considering for your next homemade pizza night. In place of traditional basil, sage is used here, adding a distinctive musky taste that complements the sweetness of the honey and balances out its richness.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Key to making this flavor combination work is acknowledging that it’s not entirely healthy. The trio of bacon, ranch dressing, and melted cheese may not be the most nutritious toppings, but they do create a delicious combination.
Mediterranean Pizza
Crafting a delicious and authentic Mediterranean-inspired pizza is easier than you think. By incorporating an array of colorful vegetables, you can create a dish that not only tastes like a vacation but also satisfies your cravings for something new and exciting. This veggie-friendly recipe goes beyond the traditional Margherita by introducing a medley of flavors, textures, and aromas that will leave you wanting more.
While sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, and kalamata olives provide a delightful mix of flavors, feel free to experiment with other toppings such as roasted peppers, crumbled feta cheese, or sautéed mushrooms to create your perfect combination.
3-Cheese White Pizza
Among the popular cheeses used in making pizza Bianca are mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheese, infused with dried Italian herbs. This traditional dish’s success hinges on a crucial aspect: using freshly grated or torn mozzarella instead of pre-shredded mozzarella. Freshly shredded or torn mozzarella maintains a higher moisture level, making it easier to melt and perfect for achieving that coveted gooey texture in a pizza, which is undoubtedly the ultimate goal for most enthusiasts.
Dominos Copycat Pizza
Making your own pizza dough at home can be a game-changer, especially when you’re craving a specific brand like Dominos. With their prices continually on the rise, it’s no wonder many of us are looking for alternatives. Luckily, making this very same dough is not only cost-effective but also incredibly easy to do.
The key to achieving that authentic Domino’s flavor lies in allowing the dough to ferment for at least 24 hours, which will allow the flavors to develop and mature, just like their original pizza crust.
Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza
Sweet treats have taken over the dessert scene in pizzerias everywhere, and our dessert pizza is no exception. Taking inspiration from the classic cookie dough style desserts, we’ve topped ours with a crunchy cinnamon crumb that adds just the right amount of texture to each bite. A drizzle of iced sugar glaze finishes off this sweet masterpiece, but that’s not all – the brown sugar crust sets it apart from other baked goods, making it sit comfortably between a cinnamon roll and a cookie.
For an extra layer of freshness and texture, why not try topping your dessert pizza with caramelized crisped apples? The combination is nothing short of magic, and we can’t wait for you to give it a try!
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Versatile in its toppings, this homemade pizza idea offers a twist on traditional flavors. Boasting a medley of onions, bell peppers, steak, and melted cheese, it surprisingly achieves a balance of flavors without being overly greasy. The unique selling point lies in the substitution of mayonnaise as the pizza sauce, which not only adds moisture to the dough but also allows the richness of the cheese and savory flavor of the steak to take center stage.
Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Pizza
Zest up your dinner parties with this restaurant-style pizza recipe that’s perfect for pairing with a nice glass of red wine. The combination of sweet and sticky caramelized onions with the tangy, sharp flavor of goat cheese is a match made in heaven, adding a rich and flavorsome twist to your homemade pizza toppings. Although it takes around 20 minutes for the onions to cook down into their ideal form, the end result is well worth the time and effort.
Chicago Style Pizza
Making an authentic tasting take on the classic deep-pan Chicago pizza requires some attention to detail and a specific ingredient that sets it apart. The crust is a key component of this style, and achieving the right texture is crucial. To get that signature flakiness, bakers use a generous amount of butter, which not only adds flavor but also helps create a tender crumb. However, the true secret to the crunch lies in the addition of cornmeal.
This may seem like an unusual ingredient, but trust us when we say it’s essential for replicating the classic Chicago texture. The cornmeal serves a dual purpose: not only does it add a satisfying crunch, but it also helps prevent the base from becoming soggy when reheating. Whether you’re making a homemade version or attempting to perfect your own deep-pan pizza recipe, incorporating cornmeal is a must.
If you haven’t tried making a Chicago-style pan pizza before, now might be the time to give it a shot.
Cheeseburger Pizza
Unlocking a new flavor dimension, our pizza combines the quintessential elements of an American cheeseburger with the classic flavors of a perfectly topped pie. Dill pickles, thinly sliced to add a tangy crunch, complement the rich sweetness of fresh Roma tomatoes and the savory goodness of crispy bacon. Meanwhile, ground beef provides a meaty depth that’s balanced by the sharpness and slight sweetness of our unique cheeseburger sauce.
One might think that incorporating chopped dill pickles would be an unconventional choice, but they play a crucial role in cutting through the richness of the dish. On a simpler note, crafting this very sauce is surprisingly effortless – all it requires are two ingredients: ketchup and yellow mustard, making it accessible to anyone willing to give it a try.
Pizza Hut Pizza
Fresh from the oven, this homemade version of the classic Pizza Hut pizzas is just as delicious and satisfying. For effortless pizza nights, consider rolling this dough into a ball and freezing it for up to 3 months. This allows you to have a head start on dinner plans without sacrificing any flavor. Let the frozen dough sit in the refrigerator overnight before using it the next day to give it enough time to thaw out gently.
Once thawed, top with your favorite go-to toppings, just as you would when visiting Pizza Hut.
Grilled Pizzas
Cooking pizza on the grill has its advantages, particularly when it comes to achieving a crispy crust with a delicious char. The high heat of the grill causes the crust to cook much more quickly than in a regular oven, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights when time is limited. Furthermore, the unique horizontal char marks created by the grill add an attractive element to the presentation.
The visual appeal is undeniable, and these distinctive markings can make even the most basic pizza seem like a gourmet dish. To achieve the best results, it’s essential that your grill is spotless and well-maintained before cooking. Ensure that it’s clean and oiled to prevent the dough from sticking to the grill bars during preparation.
26 Best Homemade Pizza Recipes
Among the various requirements and considerations for a recipe, the most fundamental aspects are often overlooked. The provided information on this pizza recipe falls short in several areas. Firstly, there is no indication of how many votes the recipe has received, making it difficult to gauge its popularity or accuracy. Additionally, the prep and cook time are identical, which seems unrealistic for a typical pizza-making process.
Furthermore, the total time is simply an addition of the two times, but it would be more accurate to provide separate fields for ‘active’ and ‘total’ time to better reflect the actual preparation and cooking duration. The course and cuisine specified as ‘Dinner’ and ‘American’, respectively, are vague terms that could apply to a wide range of dishes. Lastly, the serving size is listed as 2 pizzas, which seems implausible given the typical size of individual pizzas.
Instructions
Prepare your ingredients by dissolving the yeast and sugar in water in a large bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for 5 minutes, during which it should become frothy. Next, add in the oil and salt, followed by the flour – introducing it into the mix one cup at a time and stirring until a soft dough begins to form. Once you’ve achieved this consistency, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Following this process, place the dough in a large bowl that’s been greased with oil, cover it with a kitchen cloth, and let it rise in a warm, dark environment – typically taking around 45 minutes to double in size. Meanwhile, brown the beef mince and onion in a pan over medium heat, breaking them into small crumbles as they cook, then drain off any excess moisture once they’re done. Once your dough has finished rising, roll it out onto a flat surface and divide it into two equal portions.
Press each half of the dough into greased 12-inch pans, then top with a mixture of tomato sauce and herbs spread evenly over the dough using the back of a spoon, followed by layers of beef, peppers, and cheese. Finally, bake at 400 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes to achieve a perfectly cooked pizza.
