Oh My Food Recipes

  • Homepage
  • Shop
  • About me
  • Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe Now
  • Contact Me
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Homepage
  • Shop
  • About me
  • Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe Now
  • Contact Me
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Baking » Homemade Cheese Pizza

    Homemade Cheese Pizza

    Modified: Oct 18, 2023 Published: May 17, 2021 by Tracy O. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Simple and delicious homemade classic cheese pizza and Thai chicken pizza are great for kid’s movie night, gathering, party, lunch and dinner. Also, this traditional and classic homemade cheese pizza recipe has a few simple ingredients. Let’s learn how to make easy and tasty homemade cheese pizza with step by step photo instructions and a video! 

    Love baking? Check out these garlic cheesy breadsticks, rosemary garlic bread, dinner rolls, ciabatta, Chinese hot dog, banana muffins, strawberry muffins and Japanese milk bread rolls recipes.

    Homemade cheese pizza on the plate with a blue towel on the side

    What is traditional cheese pizza?

    Pizza is a savory Italian cuisine. Nowadays, it is a popular food in the United States and throughout the world. Normally, pizza is topped with olives, meats, bell peppers, herbs and cheese. Pretty much whatever toppings you like. 

    The most common and popular pizza in the states is traditional and classic cheese pizza. People love cheese pizza because of its simplicity and the delightful combination of a perfectly stretched dough that crisps at the edges. Then, a layer of vibrant tomato sauce that bursts with the essence of ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Topped with a generous blanket of creamy, melted mozzarella cheese. 

    Each bite is a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors. The soft cheese seamlessly melds into the tangy sauce while the crust provides a satisfying crunch. This timeless creation is a comfort staple food and many people love this classic cheese pizza for their meals, lunch, dinner, parties and pizza night. 

    My family loves pizza! They can eat pizza every day without any complaints. Traditional homemade cheese pizza and Thai chicken pizza are my kids favorite. We like to make our homemade pizza for pizza night or weekend. Also, it is a great activity for kids. They have fun making their own personal pizza.

    What are the ingredients for classic cheese pizza?

    For this homemade cheese pizza recipe, the ingredients are flour, water, sugar, yeast, salt, oil, red pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese.

    homemade cheese pizza ingredients

    Homemade pizza dough:

    We like to make our pizza with homemade pizza dough because it is easy and we can make a bigger batch if we want to feed more people. The ingredients can be as simple as flour, water, sugar, yeast, salt and oil. 

    Personally, I like to use bread flour. It is because bread flour typically contains more protein than all purpose flour. The higher protein content, usually around 12-14%, is crucial because it creates a stronger and more elastic dough. This elasticity allows the dough to stretch and rise. 

    Also, it produces a chewy and airy crust because the protein in bread flour, primarily gluten, forms a strong network when combined with water and kneaded. This network gives the dough its structure and traps carbon dioxide produced by the yeast during fermentation. Therefore, it results in a light and airy texture in the final crust. Besides, the higher gluten content makes the dough more extensible. The dough can be stretched and shaped without tearing. 

    Can homemade pizza dough be refrigerated?

    Yes, homemade pizza dough can be refrigerated and it's often a convenient way to prepare the dough in advance if you're not planning to use it immediately. Refrigerating pizza dough allows the flavors in the dough to develop more fully. This can result in a tastier and more complex crust. Also, it's a time-saver if you want to prepare the dough ahead of time.

    When you're ready to use the refrigerated dough, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before shaping and baking. This allows the dough to relax and become more flexible, so it is easier to work with and ensures a better texture when baked.

    What kind of pizza sauce do you use?

    For a classic cheese pizza, people usually use tomato sauce or red pizza sauce. However, I like to use red pasta sauce in this homemade cheese pizza recipe because it has more flavors. You can use any brand of red pasta sauce. Just make sure to shake well before using it, so it is not too liquid when you pour it out.

    a bottle of red ragu traditional flavor pasta sauce

    Personally, I like to use Ragu brand because it has a better taste, less sour and the thickness is moderate so that it will not be too runny or too thick. Besides, you can use other sauces such as white sauce or bbq sauce to make other flavors of pizza. 

    Can I use other pizza toppings?

    Sure, you can use other ingredients for pizza toppings. Since this is a cheese pizza recipe, we simply use cheese as a topping. You can check out this Thai chicken pizza if you like other toppings. 

    What is the best cheese for homemade pizza?

    The most commonly used cheese for a traditional cheese pizza is mozzarella cheese. And, I like to use mozzarella cheese for pizza. It is because mozzarella cheese has good meltability, mild flavor and ability to create that perfect gooey, stringy texture when melted. 

    Also, you can use pre-shredded and blended mozzarella cheese for convenience. For example, some use a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, romano, ricotta and provolone to add complexity and depth to the cheese topping. Or, you can look for pizza cheese.

    Do I need a pizza pan?

    You don't necessarily need a pizza pan to make pizza at home. You can use a regular baking sheet or cookie sheet by adding parchment paper or grease the sheet to prevent sticking. Simply shape your pizza dough on the sheet, add sauce and toppings. Then, bake it.

    Also, you can use a pizza stone. This is a popular tool for making homemade pizza and I like to use this as well. Preheat the stone in the oven, then slide your shaped pizza onto it. The stone helps distribute heat evenly. This results in a crisp and evenly cooked crust. Or, you can use a cast iron skillet to make deep-dish or pan-style pizza. 

    How do I store leftovers?

    You can put them in a ziplock plastic bag or wrap them with foil. Then, put them in the refrigerator or freeze it. When you are ready to eat them, put them in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute if it is straight out from the refrigerator or air fry it for 350 F for 5 minutes. 

    Cooking tips for how to make homemade cheese pizza:

    • My trick to speed up dough rising time, normally I preheat the oven at 200 F. Then, turn off the oven and put the dough covered with a wet cloth in for 30 minutes.
    • Personally, I prefer to use bread flour because the texture is better and fluffier.
    • Dust some flour on the surface and put the risen dough. 
    • You can divide the dough into two or make one big pizza. 
    • Or, you stretch and roll the dough into the shape you want. 
    • If you use a pizza stone, preheat the oven with the stone. Then, slide the pizza on the stone and bake it for 12-15 minutes at 420 F.
    • Pour some red pasta sauce and spread on the dough. After, topping with mozzarella cheese or other cheese you want. 

    FAQs:

    What’s the temperature to bake pizza?

    I like to preheat the oven at 420F and bake pizza for 12-15 minutes. However, some preheat the oven at 400F and bake for 18-20 minutes. 

    Can I use all purpose flour?

    Yes, you can. But, using bread flour has better results because the texture is better and fluffier. 

    Instructions for how to make traditional homemade cheese pizza: 

    yeast and water in the mixer

    Mixing dough:

    1.Put 1 ¼ cups of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the Bosch mixer.

    yeast mixture in the Bosch mixer

    2. Turn on the lowest setting #1, let it mix a little bit. Then, turn off and wait for 5 minutes.

    flour and salt in the silver bowl top view

    3. In the meanwhile, put 3 cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into a bowl. Mix it well.

    Dough mixing in the Bosch mixer

    4. After that, turn on the mixer at the lowest setting #1. Then, slowly add the flour mixture from step 3. Next, change the lowest setting #1 to medium/high #3. Let it run for 10 -15 minutes.

    rising dough in silver bowl

    Dough rising:

    5. After the dough is mixed well, transfer the dough into a bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for about 45 minutes to an hour at room temperature. (My trick to speed up dough rising time, normally I preheat the oven at 200 F. Then, turn off the oven and put the dough in and cover with a wet cloth for 30 minutes.)

    flatten dough on a circle stone

    Shaping dough:

    6. Dust some flour on the surface, flatten, stretch or roll the dough into a circle shape, so it fits on the circle stone. You can shape into different shapes depending on your tray size and shape.

    red pasta sauce spread on the circle shaped dough

    Sauce:

    7. Pour ½-1 cup red Ragù pasta sauce on the dough and spread it evenly.

    cheese topping unbaked pizza top view

    Topping:

    8. Sprinkle 1.5-2 cups mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce and dough.

    baked big circle cheese pizza

    Baking:

    9. If you use a pizza stone, preheat the oven at 420 F with the pizza stone. When the oven temperature reaches 420 F, slide the pizza on the stone and bake it at 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts.

    cheese pizza cut out on the plate

    Enjoy this delicious classic homemade cheese pizza recipe! Also, check out these Chinese hot dog, cocktail bun, egg tarts, crispy noodles, corn on the cob, salmon sushi cups and sugar donuts recipes.

    You May Also Like These Recipes:

    • AIR FRYER FRENCH TOAST
    • CUSTARD BUNS (奶皇包)
    • FRESH STRAWBERRY MUFFINS
    • PINEAPPLE BUNS (菠蘿包)

    Subscribe Oh My Food Recipes to get our new recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the latest updates.

    cheese pizza cut out on the plate

    Homemade Cheese Pizza

    Simple and delicious homemade classic cheese pizza is great for kid’s movie night, gathering, party, lunch and dinner. This traditional and classic homemade cheese pizza recipe has a few simple ingredients. Let’s learn how to make tasty homemade cheese pizza!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Bread, Main Course, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 243kcal
    Author: Tracy O.

    Equipment

    • 1 Oven
    • 1 Baking pan or pizza stone

    Video

    Ingredients

    PIZZA DOUGH:

    • 1 ¼ cups Water
    • 2 tablespoons Sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Active dry yeast
    • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
    • 3 cups Bread flour
    • 1 teaspoon Salt

    TOPPING:

    • 1 cup Ragu red pasta sauce
    • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • Put 1 ¼ cups of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the Bosch mixer.
    • Turn on the lowest setting #1, let it mix a little bit. Then, turn off and wait for 5 minutes.
    • In the meanwhile, put 3 cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into a bowl. Mix it well.
    • After that, turn on the mixer at the lowest setting #1. Then, slowly add the flour mixture from step 3. Next, change the lowest setting #1 to medium/high #3. Let it run for 10 -15 minutes.
    • After the dough is mixed well, transfer the dough into a bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for about 45 minutes to an hour at room temperature. (My trick to speed up dough rising time, normally I preheat the oven at 200 F. Then, turn off the oven and put the dough in and cover with a wet cloth for 30 minutes.)
    • Dust some flour on the surface, flatten, stretch or roll the dough into a circle shape, so it fits on the circle stone. You can shape into different shapes depending on your tray size and shape.
    • Pour ½-1 cup red Ragù pasta sauce on the dough and spread it evenly.
    • Sprinkle 1.5-2 cups mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce and dough.
    • If you use a pizza stone, preheat the oven at 420 F with the pizza stone. When the oven temperature reaches 420 F, slide the pizza on the stone and bake it at 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts.

    Notes

    Cooking tips for how to make homemade cheese pizza:

    • To speed up dough rising time, normally I preheat the oven at 200F. Then, turn off the oven and put the dough covered with a wet cloth in for 30 minutes.
    • Personally, I prefer to use bread flour because the texture is better and fluffier.
    • Dust some flour on the surface and put the risen dough. 
    • You can divide the dough into two or make one big pizza. 
    • Or, you stretch and roll the dough into the shape you want. 
    • If you use a pizza stone, preheat the oven with the stone. Then, slide the pizza on the stone and bake it for 12-15 minutes at 420 F.
    • Pour some red pasta sauce and spread on the dough. After, topping with mozzarella cheese or other cheese you want. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 504mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @OhMyFoodRecipes or tag #OhMyFoodRecipes!

    More Baking Recipes

    • Baked coconut breads in the tin foil trays close up
      Coconut Bread
    • Chinese coconut cream buns on the white plate
      Cream Bun
    • Cut up focaccia bread
      No Knead Focaccia
    • banana bread muffins open up
      Banana Bread Muffins
    5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Tracy O.
    About Me

    Welcome to Oh My Food Recipes! Discover delightful meal inspiration in the world of specialty Asian cuisines. Our tried-and-true recipes come with step-by-step photo and video tutorials, making your cooking journey enjoyable and rewarding... Read more!

    Seasonal

    • fresh strawberry pie glaze with jello with checked towel
      Fresh Strawberry Pie

    • stir fry garlic yu choy sum on the white long plate
      Yu Choy Recipe

    • Chinese sticky rice dumpling zongzi
      Zongzi

    • drizzling syrup on top of the kansui zong or sweet zongzi or alkaline rice dumpling
      Sweet Zongzi

    • strawberry and white chocolate chip muffin open up
      Strawberry and White Chocolate Muffins

    • Hawaiian shave ice in the bowl
      Hawaiian Shave Ice

    MY FAVORITES

    • braised beef radish ho fun noodle soup in the bowl with sliver chopsticks
      Braised Beef Ho Fun Noodle Soup

    • beef pho noodle soup in the bowl with a spoon
      Pho Beef Noodle Soup

    • Chinese pan fried dumplings one bit open
      Chinese Pan Fried Dumplings

    • Chinese black sesame soup dessert on a spoon dripping into the bowl horizontal
      Black Sesame Soup

    • japchae Korean glass noodle on a black plate close up
      Japchae Korean Glass Noodles

    • pineapple buns close up front
      Pineapple Bun

    • Japanese tonkatsu deep fried pork cutlets
      Japanese Tonkatsu

    • Teriyaki sauce pouring from a glass bottle into a small container
      Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Disclosure & Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Oh My Food Recipes

    AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE

    Oh My Food Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.