Bring the delight of pizzeria-style pizza right into your kitchen with this easy cheese pizza recipe – perfect for family dinner nights or weekend feasts.
Nothing quite matches the joy of a homemade pizza – warm, cheesy, and topped with your favorite ingredients. This easy cheese pizza, which yields a 12-inch pie, is perfect for any pizza lover. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just indulging in a weekend feast, you’ll find this dish both satisfying and delicious. It’s simple yet scrumptious, rivaling any pizzeria fare. Plus, making your own pizza at home allows you to customize it according to your preferences. You can even try making your own pizza dough, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning for a fully homemade experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Just remember, the flavor and melting characteristics may differ.
No, a pizza stone is recommended but not required. A regular baking sheet will also work.
Absolutely, feel free to customize your pizza with your favorite toppings.
Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly, but you can also make your own pizza dough.
Pizza Sauce: Canned sauce is readily available, or try our pizza sauce recipe for a fresh and flavorful alternative.
Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, other cheeses like cheddar or provolone can also be used.
Troubleshooting
- The dough is too sticky: Add a bit more flour and knead until it’s smooth and elastic.
- The crust isn’t cooking evenly: Make sure the pizza is placed in the center of the oven and rotate it halfway through the cooking time.
- The cheese isn’t melting properly: This could be because the cheese is too cold. Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the pizza.
A Note on Pizza Stones
While a pizza stone is ideal for achieving a crispy crust, a baking sheet will work just fine if you don’t have one. Just be sure to preheat it in the oven before placing your pizza on it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until hot, usually around 10-15 minutes.
I used another recipe for homemade pizza dough, but came here for the topping. I needed something simple for my first homemade pizza. I found these proportions to be just right. I reduced Italian seasoning to taste. I also used my favorite marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce. Pizza sauce is too acidic for my taste but marinara is more sweet and mild. Pizza turned out very good! My toddler loved it too. I wouldn’t change anything. Maybe shred my own mozzarella next time to see if it makes any difference. I used shredded whole milk mozzarella, no issues with that.