Plain Pizza Done Right Recipe
Looking for the best Plain Pizza recipe? Sometimes, simple is truly best. This classic cheese pizza features a crispy golden crust, rich homemade tomato sauce, plenty of bubbly mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan and oregano. When made with quality ingredients, a plain cheese pizza becomes the ultimate comfort food and the perfect way to enjoy authentic homemade pizza.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy, chewy homemade crust
Rich homemade pizza sauce
Gooey, perfectly melted mozzarella
Simple ingredients with incredible flavor
Better than takeout
Perfect for pizza night
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per slice
Protein: 12 g per slice
🛒 Ingredients
Pizza Dough
2½ cups (315 g) bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
¾ cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
Pizza Sauce
½ cup pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon olive oil
Toppings
2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix together:
Bread flour
Salt
Sugar
Instant yeast
Add the warm water and olive oil.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine:
Pizza sauce
Oregano
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Olive oil
Mix well.
Step 3: Shape the Pizza
Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside, if available.
Roll or stretch the dough into a 12–14-inch (30–35 cm) circle.
Transfer it to parchment paper or a pizza peel.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Top with:
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Oregano
Avoid overloading the pizza—the balance of crust, sauce, and cheese is what makes a classic cheese pizza shine.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until:
The crust is golden brown
The cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned
The bottom is crisp
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Remove from the oven.
Top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Caesar salad
Garlic bread
Mozzarella sticks
Tomato soup
Chicken wings
Roasted vegetables
Sparkling lemonade
💡 Chef’s Tips
Use whole-milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Bake on a preheated pizza stone or steel for a crisp, airy crust.
Use high-quality tomato sauce—simple pizzas depend on great ingredients.
Let the pizza cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing so the cheese can set slightly.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, or reheat in a skillet for a crispy crust.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Slice)
Calories: 290 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 520 mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese is best for a plain pizza?
Whole-milk mozzarella is the traditional choice because it melts beautifully and provides a rich, creamy flavor.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes. A quality store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut and still produces excellent results.
How do I get a crispy pizza crust?
Preheat your oven thoroughly and bake the pizza on a hot pizza stone or baking steel whenever possible.
Can I add toppings later?
Absolutely! This cheese pizza is a perfect base for pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, olives, peppers, onions, or fresh basil.
