Oh, pizza night! It’s honestly one of my favorite things to whip up. And let me tell you, making easy homemade pizza with tomato sauce from scratch is SO much more satisfying than you might think. Forget those complicated recipes; this one is all about getting that delicious, bubbly, cheesy goodness on your table without a fuss. I’ve been making this version for years, tweaking it just a bit to make sure it’s perfect every single time. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for weeknights or when you just want something comforting and yummy. You’re going to love how simple it is to get that amazing taste!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Honestly, this recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! You’re going to adore how:
- It’s super quick to put together – think dinner on the table in about 30 minutes!
- You probably already have most of the simple ingredients in your pantry.
- The results are just plain delicious – perfectly crispy crust, yummy sauce, and melty cheese.
- It’s totally beginner-friendly; even if you’ve never made pizza before, you can nail this.
- You can customize it with whatever toppings your heart desires!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Alright, let’s get this pizza party started! To make our amazing easy homemade pizza with tomato sauce, you’ll need just a few things. First up, grab 1 pound of pizza dough. You can totally buy this at the grocery store, or if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own! Then, you’ll need about 1/2 cup of good tomato sauce – nothing fancy, just your favorite kind. For that gooey, melty goodness, we’ll use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Freshness is key, so we’ll also need 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. A little drizzle of 1 tablespoon of olive oil is perfect for that golden crust, and just a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper to make everything pop.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When it comes to the mozzarella, I usually go for the pre-shredded stuff because, well, easy! But whole milk mozzarella, shredded yourself, melts like a dream. If you’re in a super tight spot and don’t have plain tomato sauce, a marinara or even a good quality canned crushed tomato works in a pinch, you might just need to adjust the seasoning a bit. For cheese, provolone or a blend with cheddar can be fun too! And hey, if fresh basil isn’t your thing, a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning before baking is totally fine. The goal is deliciousness, and these little swaps help you get there!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Okay, let’s get this pizza made! It’s really not complicated, I promise. You’ll have a fantastic easy homemade pizza with tomato sauce on your table in no time.
Preparing the Dough and Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven screaming hot! Crank it up to 450°F (230°C). While it’s heating, lightly flour a clean surface – your counter or a big cutting board works great. Now, take your pizza dough and get ready to stretch or roll it out. Aim for whatever thickness you like best; some people love it thin and crispy, others like it a bit thicker. Just be gentle!
Assembling Your Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Once your dough is stretched out, carefully transfer it onto your pizza stone or a baking sheet. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; rustic is good! Now, grab that tomato sauce and spread it all over the dough. Leave a little edge bare for the crust – that’s important! Next, sprinkle that lovely shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, give it a little drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It just adds that extra little something!
Baking Your Perfect Pizza
Time for the magic! Slide that pizza into your hot oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for that crust to turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese to be all bubbly and melted. That’s your signal it’s ready!
Finishing Touches for Your Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Once it’s out of the oven, the smell is just incredible, right? Now’s the time to add that fresh basil – just sprinkle it all over the top. It adds such a bright, fresh flavor that really finishes off the pizza perfectly. Let it sit for just a minute, then slice it up and dig in! You did it!
Tips for Success with Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Want to take your easy homemade pizza with tomato sauce to the next level? Here are a couple of my favorite tricks! If you’re a fan of a really crispy crust, try pre-baking the dough for about 5-7 minutes before you even add the sauce and cheese. It makes a huge difference! Also, don’t be afraid to load up on toppings! Pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives – whatever you love, it’s your pizza! Just try not to overload it too much, or it can get a bit soggy. And remember, a good quality tomato sauce makes a big impact on the final flavor!
FAQ About Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Got questions about making your easy homemade pizza with tomato sauce? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use a different type of sauce for my homemade pizza?
Absolutely! While this recipe is all about that classic tomato sauce, feel free to get creative. Pesto sauce is a fantastic alternative, or you could even try a creamy garlic sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Just spread it on the dough like you would the tomato sauce.
Q: What are good topping combinations for an easy pizza recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a super simple but delicious combo, try pepperoni and mushrooms. Or go for a classic veggie with bell peppers, onions, and olives. A simple Margherita with just extra basil after baking is always a winner too. Whatever you love, it’ll taste great on this easy pizza!
Q: How can I make the pizza crust crispier?
My favorite trick for a super crispy crust is to pre-bake the dough! Just pop the stretched-out dough onto your hot baking sheet or pizza stone for about 5-7 minutes before you add the sauce and toppings. It gives it a head start and makes it wonderfully crisp. Also, make sure your oven is nice and hot (450°F is perfect!) – high heat is key for a crispy crust.
How to Store and Reheat Your Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Leftover pizza is honestly one of the best things ever, right? To store your easy homemade pizza with tomato sauce, let it cool completely first, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the oven is your best friend! Pop a slice or two on a baking sheet at around 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until it’s warm and the crust is still a little crisp. Avoid the microwave if you can – it makes the crust a bit chewy.
Nutritional Estimate for Easy Homemade Pizza with Tomato Sauce
Just a little heads-up, this is an estimate, but for one serving of our easy homemade pizza with tomato sauce, you’re looking at roughly 300 calories. It’s got about 12g of fat, 15g of protein, and around 35g of carbohydrates. It’s a pretty balanced slice, if I do say so myself!
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Amazing 1-Dish Easy Homemade Pizza
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn to make delicious homemade pizza with a simple tomato sauce from scratch. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Lightly flour a clean surface. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, slice, and serve.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Use a store-bought pizza dough to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, tomato sauce pizza, quick pizza, Italian pizza, beginner pizza