Classic Cheese Pizza Recipe

# **Classic Cheese Pizza Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Comfort Food**

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a classic cheese pizza. It’s the perfect combination of a crispy, golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or a beginner in the kitchen, this **Classic Cheese Pizza** recipe is the perfect starting point to create a delicious, homemade pizza that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Making pizza at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a pie that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Plus, when you make it yourself, you can control the quality of the ingredients, resulting in a pizza that’s just as good (if not better) than what you’d order out.

Let’s dive into how to make the **perfect cheese pizza** from scratch!

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## **Why You’ll Love This Classic Cheese Pizza Recipe**

– **Simple Ingredients**: All you need is flour, yeast, cheese, and a few other pantry staples.
– **Customizable**: While this recipe is for a classic cheese pizza, it can easily be adapted to add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, vegetables, or extra cheese.
– **Homemade Perfection**: There’s something special about the combination of fresh dough and homemade sauce, making each bite a little slice of heaven.
– **Fun to Make**: Making pizza from scratch is a fun and rewarding activity that you can enjoy alone or with friends and family.

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## **Ingredients for Classic Cheese Pizza**

For the **pizza dough**:
– **2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast**
– **1 1/2 cups warm water** (about 110°F)
– **1 teaspoon sugar**
– **3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (plus extra for greasing)
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder** (optional for extra flavor)

For the **tomato sauce**:
– **1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes** (or use tomato sauce)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon dried basil**
– **1/2 teaspoon sugar** (optional, to balance acidity)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste

For the **toppings**:
– **2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese** (fresh or pre-shredded)
– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (optional, for extra flavor)
– **Fresh basil leaves** (optional, for garnish)
– **Olive oil** (for brushing the crust)

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## **How to Make Classic Cheese Pizza**

### **Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough**
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the **yeast** and **sugar** in the **warm water**. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **salt**, and **garlic powder** (if using). Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and **olive oil**.
3. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it begins to come together. Then, knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about **1 hour**, or until it has doubled in size.

### **Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce**
1. While the dough is rising, make the sauce. In a saucepan, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **crushed tomatoes**, **garlic powder**, **oregano**, **basil**, and **sugar** (if using).
2. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat and set aside.

### **Step 3: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **475°F (245°C)**. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. A pizza stone will give your crust a nice crispy texture, but a regular baking sheet will work just fine if you don’t have one.

### **Step 4: Shape the Dough**
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference and the shape of your pan. Aim for about 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza.

If you’re using a pizza stone, sprinkle some cornmeal on it to prevent sticking, then transfer the rolled dough onto the stone. If you’re using a baking sheet, lightly grease it with olive oil and place the dough onto the sheet.

### **Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese**
Spread a thin layer of your homemade tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Be generous with the **mozzarella cheese**, evenly covering the sauce. If you like extra cheese, feel free to add more!

Sprinkle the **Parmesan cheese** over the mozzarella, then drizzle a little olive oil around the crust for a golden finish.

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