Whether it’s a classic caprese or a sweet pizookie, your pizza night just became a lot more exciting thanks to these homemade pizza recipes.
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Skip the Pizza Delivery
I love taking the night off and ordering in just as much as anyone, but I have yet to find a pizza delivery that can compare to any of these homemade pizza recipes.
Most of them start off with my homemade pizza dough and pizza sauce. Plus, many of the pizza recipes below take the same amount of, if not less, time as delivery.
With just a little prior planning, I can have all the components ready to go for a busy night so I just need to assemble and bake.
I start by picking a recipe from this list of amazing pizza recipes. Then I make the sauce early in the week and the dough earlier in the day, so I just have to add toppings and dinner is served.
All I need is a big Caesar salad or an Olive Garden salad and the meal is complete. Learning how to make pizza at home is so easy, what’s not to love about that?
It’s a Pizza Party!
For a really a fun evening, I might skip using any of these easy pizza recipes and instead have a make-your-own-pizza night. It’s so easy to do and such a big hit with kids and adults, especially with those who prefer certain foods. Here’s how I do it:
- Make enough dough. You will want 1 small pizza per person. I can usually get 2 small pizzas from 1 batch of homemade pizza dough. If I am making enough for 6, I would plan on making 3 batches of dough. For a party of little kids sometimes I’ll just pick up dough from Trader Joe’s and divide into quarters.
- Shape the dough. Let each person shape their own dough onto a baking sheet.
- Set out the toppings. Have a variety of toppings (see below for ideas) set out with proper serving utensils.
- Don’t forget the sauce and cheese. My favorite sauces are below and I will sometimes make all three for a little extra fun. I also like to set out other types of cheese along with shredded mozzarella.
- Have fun. Let each person have fun creating their own perfect pie.
Favorite Pizza Toppings
I am not convinced that you really can’t put anything on a pizza (yes, even pineapple!), but here are a few of my go-to toppings that work well with most homemade pizza recipes. What would you add?
- Pepperoni
- Canadian bacon
- Sausage
- Bacon
- Shredded chicken
- Cherry tomatoes
- Arugula
- Basil
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Garlic cloves
- Olives
- Mushrooms
- Banana peppers
- Balsamic vinegar
- Pineapple
Pizza Dough Recipes
The pizza dough really does make the pizza. Thankfully, there are a few different types and cooking techniques to suit every taste and work with almost all homemade pizza recipes. Enjoy!
- Homemade pizza dough. This no-fail recipe is ready for baking in just 40 minutes.
- Sheet pan pizza. I love to make this when I am serving a bunch of people.
- Heart shaped pizza. The only way to make this cheesier is by adding extra mozzarella, and I love everything about it.
- French bread pizza. The name says it all. Talk about great flavor with garlic, cheese and your favorite toppings.
- No yeast pizza dough. Just 4 ingredients and only 10 minutes to prep, this dough is a dream on busy nights.
- Whole wheat pizza dough. I like to make this dough when I am craving something a bit healthier.
Top 3 Pizza Sauces
Every great homemade pizza recipe needs a really great sauce, and these three are definitely my favorites. These are so easy to make and then keep on hand for any pizza emergency. If you are in a hurry, however, you can always opt for a store-bought pizza sauce. Either works great!
- Easy homemade pizza sauce. It only takes 5 minutes and 5 ingredients to make a flavorful and tasty red sauce.
- Garlic white pizza sauce. This is one of my favorite sauces to use on homemade pizza with chicken.
- Alfredo sauce. Add this sauce on top with some grilled chicken. Yum!
- Basil pesto. Add some fresh mozzerella, tomatoes and a balsamic glaze.
- Vegan pesto. I love a pesto pizza, especially piled high with veggies.
Homemade Pizza Recipes with Meat
It’s hard to beat a classic pepperoni, but I do love a challenge. These meat pizza recipes use chicken, sausage, or bacon to create a new twist on your everyday pie.
- BLT pizza. Taking the components of one of my favorite sandwiches and pizza-fying it.
- Healthy pizza. Say hello to feeling good after eating homemade pizza thanks to veggies, mozzarella, chicken, arugula and a balsamic glaze.
- Buffalo chicken pizza. Imagine your favorite buffalo wings on a crispy dough. Your next party will thank you.
- Easy BBQ chicken pizza. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pizza recipe only needs BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella, red onion and cilantro.
- Chicken bacon ranch pizza. The homemade ranch sauce replaces the traditional red sauce for amazing results.
- Chicken alfredo pizza. With a creamy homemade sauce, sliced chicken, bacon and spinach this homemade pizza is indulgent and mouthwatering!
- Pepperoni pizza. A classic for a reason, everyone also loves this homemade pizza!
- Sausage breakfast pizza. Pizza for breakfast? Yes, please!
Vegetarian Homemade Pizzas
These vegetarian homemade pizza recipes prove that you don’t need meat to make an amazing pie. In fact, you could skip the meat in some of the pizza recipes mentioned above and still have a dynamite dinner.
- Pizza caprese. This homemade pizza tastes so fresh thanks to the basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, zesty tomatoes, and basil leaves,
- Spinach artichoke pizza. I pair this with a garlic olive oil as a sauce to let the veggies shine.
- Spinach pesto pizza. This is my green dream pizza, and it is delightful on a summer night.
- Veggie pizza. Perfect for a light meal or clowd pleasing appetizer! This cold pizza is a favorite!
Other Types of Pizza Recipes
These are no ordinary homemade pizza recipes. I love all things pizza, but sometimes I want the flavors of a pizza or the style of a pizza without an actual pizza. Enter these non-pizza pizza recipes that capture the flavor or feel of a traditional pie but in a completely different way.
- Pizza dip. Yes, it is a pizza in dip form, and always a major hit at parties.
- Easy pizza pinwheels. This on-the-go appetizer is ready in just 20 minutes.
- Stromboli. Take your favorite pizza toppings and roll them into this Italian pinwheel.
- Pizza chicken roll ups. Stuff chicken breasts with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and marinara sauce for the ultimate pizza-esque dinner.
- 15-minute Mexican pizza. An easy pizza recipe that everyone in the family can make their own.
- Pizookie (pizza cookie). The name says it all. It is so gooey and delicious.
- Fruit pizza. The soft sugar cookie crust is topped with fresh fruit, making a stunning summer dessert.
- Halloween Pizzas. Fun miniature sized pizzas decorated for Halloween! The perfect way to start the spooky fun before trick-or-treating!
- Pizza Pasta Casserole. All the flavors of your favorite pizza in a comforting pasta dish!
FAQs
The classic arrangement is usually crust, sauce, cheese and then toppings. But who says you can’t mix it up?
Pizza should be cooked a high temperature. Usually this is around 450 F degrees but could be as high as 500 F degrees for a standard pizza crust. Check your pizza recipe if you are using a speciality crust as it may differ.
Typically a homemade pizza will cook for 15 – 20 minutes but this could differ depending on the type of pizza or the temperature of your oven. For example at 500 degrees F or above your pizza could be done in 8 minutes.
Pepperoni pizza is by far a crowd favorite. Although for kids and vegetarians a cheese pizza is a safe choice. If you are feeding a crowd a few different options are always a great idea.
Mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese on pizza as it melts well without turning lumpy. Provolone and parmesan are two others that may be mixed in with mozzarella for a pizza cheese blend. Feta and aged gouda are tasty but would be considered not as family friendly.
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Homemade Pizza Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons table or fine sea salt
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour , plus more for the counter
Optional toppings
- mozzarella
- pepperoni
- sliced vegetables
Instructions
- Mix the water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, or until it starts to foam.
- Add the yeast mixture, 2 Tablespoons oil and salt in a large bowl. Add 2 cups of flour and knead with a dough hook or by hands until combined. Add 1/4 cup more flour at a time and knead until the dough is smooth, soft, and just a little bit sticky, but not to where the dough still sticks to the bowl. Knead for about 3 to 5 more minutes.
- Roll the dough into a ball and rub a little oil around the dough. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest for 20 to 60 minutes, or until the dough puffs up a bit. It doesn’t need to rise much.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place flour on the counter. Cut the dough in half and then roll out the dough with a rolling pin or toss until 1/4-inch thick and 12-inches wide.
- Lightly brush oil onto a pizza stone or large baking sheet. Place dough onto the stone or pizza pan. Spread sauce over the dough and add your favorite toppings.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
The Full List of Homemade Pizza Recipes
Click on the links below for all of the delicious homemade pizza recipes mentioned above.
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, American, Italian, Pizza, Recipe Roundup, Sheet Pan, Super Bowl
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Perfect – my family loved following your recipes. Everyone made their own personal pizza. Such a great idea, thank you!
who knew that you could make so many different recipes from pizza, thank you so much for sharing!
This is such an awesome list of recipes and the recipe card was helpful too for making my own!