Homemade Classic Pizza with Easy 6-Ingredient Dough

This homemade pizza recipe features a soft and chewy crust made from a simple 6-ingredient dough. Topped with rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, it bakes to bubbly, golden perfection—ideal for family pizza night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple dough – Just 6 pantry ingredients, no fancy tools.
• Customizable – Use any sauce, cheese, and toppings you love.
• Crispy and chewy – Bakes up with perfect texture.
• Family-friendly – Great for pizza night or parties.
• Two pizzas – Feed a crowd or save one for later.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Pizza:

• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Assorted toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, herbs, etc.)

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in flour one cup at a time. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 6–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Return to the bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 15–60 minutes.

Preheat Oven:

5. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
6. Heat a pizza stone for 30 minutes or a baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Shape and Assemble:

7. Divide dough in half. Roll one half on parchment paper into a 12–14 inch circle.
8. Spread with 1 cup of sauce, 1 1/2–2 cups cheese, and your chosen toppings.

Bake the Pizza:

9. Slide parchment and pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
10. Bake 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Carefully remove using a baking sheet or spatula.

Repeat with Remaining Dough:

12. Let the stone reheat 10 minutes, then prepare and bake the second pizza.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal per slice (approx.)
Servings: 2 large pizzas

Variations

• Stuffed Crust: Add mozzarella sticks around the edges before folding crust.
• White Pizza: Use garlic oil and ricotta instead of sauce.
• Veggie Supreme: Load up with mushrooms, peppers, olives, and onions.
• Meat Lovers: Add sausage, turkey, ham, and pepperoni.
• BBQ Chicken: Swap sauce for BBQ and top with chicken and red onion.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Cool and store in airtight container in fridge for 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked dough wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, no need to proof—just mix into the flour.

What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

Use a preheated baking sheet or cast iron skillet.

Can I freeze the pizza dough?

Absolutely. Freeze after first rise, thaw in fridge overnight, then roll out.

What kind of flour works best?

All-purpose is great, but bread flour gives more chew.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Use a gluten-free blend designed for yeast doughs—results may vary.

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

Preheat the oven and baking surface thoroughly and avoid overloading toppings.

How do I know when the pizza is done?

Look for bubbling cheese and golden brown crust.

Can I make this without sauce?

Yes, go sauceless or use pesto, ranch, or Alfredo instead.

What toppings work best?

Try fresh basil, roasted veggies, cooked meats, pineapple, or hot honey drizzle.

Conclusion

This Homemade Classic Pizza with Easy 6-Ingredient Dough is the ultimate DIY pizza experience—customizable, delicious, and simple enough for any home cook. Enjoy a slice (or two) of cheesy, golden goodness that brings everyone to the table!

Homemade Classic Pizza with Easy 6-Ingredient Dough

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 large pizzas 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Homemade classic pizza with a chewy, golden crust made from 6 simple ingredients—perfectly topped and baked for a delicious family pizza night!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 2½ cups warm water

• 1 tbsp active dry yeast

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 6 to 6½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Pizza:

• 2 cups pizza sauce

• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Assorted toppings (pepperoni, veggies, herbs, etc.)

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Instructions

• Make the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

  • Gradually stir in flour, one cup at a time, until a sticky dough forms.

  • Knead on a floured surface for 6–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 15–60 minutes.

• Preheat Oven:

  • Set oven to 500°F (260°C).

  • Preheat pizza stone for 30 minutes or baking sheet for 10 minutes.

• Shape & Top Pizza:

  • Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Roll one half on parchment into a 12–14 inch circle.

  • Spread with 1 cup of pizza sauce, then top with 1½–2 cups mozzarella and toppings of your choice.

• Bake:

  • Transfer parchment and pizza onto the preheated stone or sheet.

  • Bake for 10–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

  • Remove carefully and let cool slightly before slicing.

 

• Repeat:

  • Let pizza stone reheat for 10 minutes if needed, then repeat with remaining dough and toppings.

Notes

• Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• Add herbs like basil or oregano after baking for extra flavor.
• Customize toppings to suit your favorite pizza style!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes -Rise Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American