Faster Than Delivery and Just the Way You Love It! »

Ah, Saturday night. You’ve got the perfect mood set, maybe a movie ready to play, and suddenly the craving hits—pizza! You pick up your phone, scroll through delivery near me options, but here’s the thing: you can whip up a homemade pizza faster than a delivery boy can ring your doorbell. Not to mention, you get to top it exactly how you want, with fresh ingredients and love.

This recipe is not only quick, but it starts from scratch with a simple dough and a fresh tomato sauce that’ll make you ditch store-bought forever. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let’s make magic happen!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)

For the Fresh Tomato Sauce:

4 ripe tomatoes, grated or blended

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (customize as you like!):

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sliced pepperoni, veggies, olives, or anything you love

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough starts to form, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. (Perfect time to prep your sauce!)

2. Make the Tomato Sauce

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the grated tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Shape the Dough

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up—it’ll make your crust nice and crispy.

Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle (your choice!). Place it on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer.

4. Assemble the Pizza

Spread the fresh tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and pile on your favorite toppings. Get creative—this is your pizza!

5. Bake to Perfection

Carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Slice it up and enjoy your masterpiece, knowing you beat the delivery guy and nailed your dream pizza.

Tips for the Ultimate Homemade Pizza Night

Shortcut Sauce: If you’re in a super rush, use canned crushed tomatoes, seasoned with garlic powder and oregano.

Crispier Crust: Brush olive oil around the edges of the dough before baking.

Family Fun: Let everyone top their own mini pizzas for a fun DIY experience!

So, next time you’re tempted to dial for pizza, remember: you’ve got all the ingredients for a perfect Saturday night right in your kitchen. Bon appétit! 🍕✨