How To Make Pizza From Scratch (Recipe Guide) Tips and Calories

Our full recipe guide on how to make Pizza from scratch one of the most popular dishes in Italy and world famous.

Pizza is known for its simple and fresh ingredients: a basic dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, you can combine the ingredients as you wish from Neapolitan Pizza to Carbonara and many more.

Here’s how you can make authentic pizza from scratch.

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How to Make Pizza From Scratch

Pizza Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
For the Sauce:

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper

For the Toppings:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

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Step By Step How to Make Pizza

Making the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Making the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assembling the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half (this recipe makes two pizzas). Roll out each half on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and add your favorite toppings. Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Serving

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, slice, and enjoy!

Tips To Make Pizza

The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. Add flour gradually to achieve the right consistency. For a crispier crust, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours after the initial rise.

Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust. Preheat the stone in the oven to ensure it’s hot when you place the pizza on it. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before cooking.

How Many Calories Have Pizza

Here is a rough estimate for a basic cheese pizza (per slice, assuming 8 slices per pizza):

Dough: ~120 calories
Sauce: ~20 calories
Cheese: ~80 calories
Total per Slice: ~220 calories

Adding toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or extra cheese will increase the calorie count.