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The Ultimate Homemade Classic Cheese Pizza Recipe

A thick slice of amazing cheese pizza showing a dramatic, stretchy cheese pull on a white plate.
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I am so glad you are here. This recipe delivers a classic, comforting cheese pizza experience with a perfect, gooey melt and an easy-to-handle dough. This is a family favorite you will be proud to share.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for bowl
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup prepared pizza sauce
  • 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded (Best Mozzarella for Pizza)
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese, shredded (for extra stretch)
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This is your Easy Homemade Pizza Dough.
  5. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat your oven and pizza stone (if using) to 475°F (245°C). If you do not have a stone, use a baking sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal.
  7. Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide it in half if you want two smaller pizzas, or use the whole batch for one large pizza.
  8. On a floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 12 to 14-inch circle or rectangle. Carefully transfer the dough to your prepared pizza peel or baking sheet.
  9. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
  10. Create your Best Cheese Blend for Pizza: Mix the shredded mozzarella, provolone, and grated Parmesan together. Distribute the cheese blend evenly over the sauce for that Gooey Melted Cheese Pizza effect.
  11. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  12. Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving this Classic Pizza Night staple.

Notes

  • For the best flavor and melt, use part whole-milk, low-moisture mozzarella. Avoid fresh mozzarella unless you dry it thoroughly first to prevent a soggy crust.
  • If you want to try a Four Cheese Pizza Recipe (Quattro Formaggi Inspiration), substitute the provolone with Fontina and add a small amount of Gorgonzola or Gruyère to your blend.
  • To get a crispier crust, place your pizza stone or steel in the oven while it preheats for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/ultimate-homemade-cheese-pizza-recipe/

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