Hey y'all! If you love gooey cheese, tangy marinara, and that irresistible, crisp-yet-tender crust, this Basic cheese Pizza recipe is your new best friend. It's the ultimate comfort food—simple but oh-so-satisfying, ideal for family nights, gatherings with friends, or just treating yourself to a classic homemade slice. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Incredibly easy to make with store-bought or homemade dough.
- Cheesy, gooey, and loaded with classic Italian flavor.
- Completely customizable for all taste preferences.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or late-night cravings.
- Crispy crust with a soft, tender center every time.
Ingredients
- 1 ball (14-16 oz) pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, at room temperature)
- ¾ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim preferred)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Semi-coarse cornmeal or flour, for dusting
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Surface
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it on the center rack while the oven heats up for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour or cornmeal. Shape the dough ball into a 12-inch round, pushing from the center outward and leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
- Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal/flour.
Step 3: Top Your Pizza
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, especially the edges.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then top with Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Bake
- Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment if needed) onto the preheated stone or a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the crust is deeply golden.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Let cool for 1-2 minutes, slice with a pizza cutter, and enjoy your delicious Basic Cheese Pizza!
Notes
- For an extra-crisp crust, bake directly on a pizza stone or steel.
- Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for easier stretching and to prevent tearing.
- Get creative with cheese: try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for richer flavor.
Variations
- Margherita Pizza: Add fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
- Veggie Cheese Pizza: Top with sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms before adding cheese.
- Spicy Cheese Pizza: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and a little hot honey before serving.
Required Equipment
- Oven (and pizza stone or baking sheet)
- Rolling pin (optional, for shaping dough)
- Pizza peel or parchment paper
- Pastry brush (for olive oil)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Storage Instructions
Leftover pizza keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until hot. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months—reheat straight from frozen in the oven for best texture.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette.
- Pair with a sparkling soda, cold beer, or your favorite red wine.
- Offer a side of garlic knots or marinara-dipped breadsticks for a true pizzeria experience.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly shredded cheese for meltier, stretchier texture.
- Don’t overload your pizza with sauce or cheese—less is often more for even baking.
- Let your pizza rest a minute or two before slicing for cleaner cuts and gooier cheese.
FAQs
- Can I use pre-made dough or crust?
- Absolutely! Store-bought dough or crust works great for a quick and easy Basic Cheese Pizza.
- How do I prevent a soggy crust?
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated and avoid excess sauce or heavy toppings.
- Can I freeze cooked cheese pizza?
- Yes! Cool slices completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
12-15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pizza dough (about 12 inches)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
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2Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper.
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3Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border at the edges.
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4Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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5Carefully transfer the pizza on the parchment to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
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6Remove from the oven. Let the pizza cool slightly, then slice and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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