Craving pizza but don’t want to order out? This quick homemade pizza recipe is the answer. You can make a fresh crust and a bold, tasty sauce at home without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and honestly tastes amazing.
One of my favorite things about homemade pizza is the freedom. You choose the toppings, the amount of cheese, and the vibe. Whether you’re cooking for your family or enjoying some quiet time alone, making pizza at home just hits differently.
This crust is my go to. I’ve tried many versions, but I always come back to this one because it doesn’t need a long rise like most yeast doughs. You can let it rest for 5, 10, 15, or even 30 minutes. If you’re really short on time, you can bake it right after shaping. Letting it rest a bit does make it softer and fluffier, though.
The crust turns out thick, soft, and full of flavor. The sauce is just as good. It’s rich, slightly bold, and comes together quickly without simmering for hours. The recipe might look long at first, but don’t worry. After making it once, you’ll remember most of it by heart.
Recipe Details:
- Servings: 1 (12 inch pizza).
- Prep time: 15 minutes.
- Cook time: 12 minutes.
- Total time: about 45 to 60 minutes.
Ingredients:
Quick Homemade Pizza Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained and blended.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth.
- A splash of red wine (optional).
Quick Homemade Pizza Crust (12 inch):
- 1 cup of very warm water.
- 2 teaspoons sugar (divided).
- 1 packet of active dry yeast.
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (sifted).
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- 1 heaping teaspoon Parmesan cheese.
Toppings:
- Freshly grated mozzarella cheese.
- Green bell peppers, diced.
- Black olives.
- Turkey pepperoni.
Instructions:
Make the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the pureed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth and mix well.
- Bring to a light boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer.
- Cook until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Make the Crust:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add yeast and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes until foamy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into a large bowl.
- Add flour, salt, remaining sugar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until a dough forms.
- Move the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead with oiled hands.
- Press the dough into a lightly oiled 12 inch pizza pan. Keeping your hands oiled makes this easier.
- Cover and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread the sauce evenly over the dough.
- Add cheese and your favorite toppings.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until the crust is fluffy and fully cooked in the center.
- Garnish with fresh basil if you like.
- Slice and enjoy while hot.
Helpful Notes:
For the sauce, salt levels can vary depending on your tomatoes and chicken broth. Always taste before adding extra salt. For a smoother sauce, blend everything in a food processor.
For the crust, if you’re short on time, a quick 5 to 10 minute rest works fine. If you want a softer and airier crust, let it rest for at least 30 minutes in a warm spot.
Conclusion
This homemade pizza recipe is perfect when you want something comforting, fresh, and fast. The crust is easy, the sauce is full of flavor, and the whole meal feels special without being complicated. Once you try it, you might skip takeout more often.
FAQs:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before using.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth in the sauce?
Yes, water works fine, but chicken broth adds extra flavor.
What cheese works best for this pizza?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix it with cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
Can I bake it on a pizza stone?
Absolutely. Just preheat the stone in the oven and carefully place the pizza on it.
Can I skip the yeast?
This recipe relies on yeast for its soft and fluffy texture, so it’s best not to skip it.
