Name: Italian Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487693H20M56S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing; 1 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves; Optional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives

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There’s something truly magical about making Italian Pizza from scratch—the aroma of freshly baked dough, the melty mozzarella stretching as you pull a slice, and the vibrant pop of basil on a bubbling hot pie. Italian Pizza is one of those iconic dishes that brings people together, whether you crave a classic Margherita or love to pile on creative toppings. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory sauce, chewy crust, and gooey cheese that’s impossible to resist. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of homemade Italian Pizza; I promise you’ll never look at delivery the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Italian Pizza recipe keeps things simple, letting quality ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Every component, from the flour to the fresh basil, plays a crucial role in the authentic taste, irresistible texture, and colorful presentation of your final pie.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing the perfect balance of chew and crispiness—make sure to dust your surface for easy shaping.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the deep flavors in every bite of the crust.
Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds just a touch of subtle sweetness.
Active dry yeast: The secret to a bubbly, airy pizza base with beautiful rise.
Warm water (110°F): Just-right temperature is key for getting the yeast lively and ready to work its magic.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that golden, tender crumb—plus a slick for the bowl keeps your dough from sticking.
Pizza sauce: A robust, tangy foundation—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade for maximum flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Bring on the stretchy, melty cheese that’s essential for authentic Italian Pizza.
Fresh basil leaves: These add a pop of color and fragrant, peppery notes right before serving.
Optional toppings: Sliced tomatoes, pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives—the classics, or mix and match your favorites.

How to Make Italian Pizza

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start your Italian Pizza adventure by dissolving the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water, letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer on top. This tells you your yeast is alive and ready, promising that gorgeous, airy dough later on!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a big mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture along with olive oil, then stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy; it’ll come together with a bit of kneading.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes, working in a slow, gentle rhythm. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough that’s slightly tacky but not sticky—it should bounce back when you poke it.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer that beautiful ball of dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours. You want it to double in size—the waiting builds anticipation, but trust me, it’s worth it for the classic chew of Italian Pizza!

Step 5: Shape and Top Your Pizza

Once risen, punch the dough down to release air, then divide and shape it into pizza rounds. Dust your surface and hands with flour for easy handling. Place the shaped dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet, then spread your pizza sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and add any toppings your heart desires—this is where you make it your own.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C). If you’re after a super crispy crust, make sure your pizza stone has had time to get roaring hot. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye out for that irresistible golden crust and bubbling cheese.

Step 7: Add Fresh Basil and Serve

Once baked, yank your pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves across the top. They’ll wilt just slightly from the heat but stay vivid and fragrant, finishing your Italian Pizza with a touch of green magic. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing in—it’s the hardest part, but the anticipation makes that first bite unforgettable.

How to Serve Italian Pizza

Garnishes

For true Italian flair, scatter a few more fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving. If you want to try something bolder, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper can heighten each flavor note. For spice lovers, set out red pepper flakes so everyone can customize the heat to their liking.

Side Dishes

Serve your Italian Pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or offer a platter of marinated olives for an extra pop of Mediterranean flavor. Garlic breadsticks or a bowl of minestrone soup make the meal feel even more like a trattoria experience, and for something refreshing, sliced oranges or a simple caprese salad are perfect matches.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a bit of pizzazz to your pizza night by slicing your Italian Pizza into rustic squares or slim strips for easy sharing. Serve each slice on a wooden board for that cozy, authentic vibe, or arrange mini pizzas so guests can sample different flavor combos. For a fun family meal, let everyone create their own mini pizza masterpiece before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Italian Pizza (lucky you!), let it cool completely before wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap or stacking them in an airtight container. Stored this way in the fridge, your pizza stays delicious for 2 to 3 days and is perfect for next-day snacking or lunches.

Freezing

To freeze leftover pizza, layer slices between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. You can also freeze unbaked, stretched dough (just rub lightly with olive oil first). When a pizza craving hits, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake or reheat as desired—homemade Italian Pizza even on your busiest weeknights!

Reheating

Skip the microwave for the best results. Instead, reheat Italian Pizza on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes; the crust crisps up beautifully, and the cheese gets ooey-gooey again. In a pinch, a hot skillet with a lid makes a speedy solution for crisp edges and melty toppings.

FAQs

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After kneading, cover your dough and let it rise in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This slow rise produces even more flavor and flexibility—just let the dough come to room temperature before shaping your Italian Pizza.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust at home?

Crank up your oven as hot as it will safely go, and preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet well in advance. The quick blast of heat is key for that classic Italian Pizza crunch. You can also bake directly on the stone or use a perforated pizza pan for extra ventilation.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can! Swap up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier Italian Pizza crust. The texture will be slightly denser, but it’s a delicious change of pace—just add a splash more water if the dough feels dry.

What cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?

While mozzarella is the classic, feel free to experiment! Fontina, provolone, or a sprinkle of Parmesan all add different flavor and melt qualities. For a more authentic Italian Pizza feel, try using fresh mozzarella slices or even a touch of creamy ricotta.

How do I prevent soggy pizza in the center?

If your Italian Pizza tends to get soggy, avoid overloading with toppings, especially watery vegetables. Spread sauce thinly, and bake on the bottom rack of your oven or preheated stone—it helps firm up the base while the cheese bubbles away on top.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of magic in making Italian Pizza at home—from the anticipation as the dough rises to the joy of piling on your favorite toppings. Each step is a celebration of great flavors and time together. So, gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and give this Italian Pizza recipe a try. With every homemade slice, you’ll be hooked!

Italian Pizza Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 2 large pizzas (about 6–8 servings) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Italian pizza at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this homemade pizza is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing

Toppings:

1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Optional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, stir until dough forms.
Knead and Rise: Knead dough on floured surface, let rise until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake: Preheat oven. Divide and shape dough, transfer to pizza stone. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake until golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with basil leaves before serving.