Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauce

Nothing compares to the delicious taste and comforting aroma of homemade pizza fresh from the oven. A soft, golden crust topped with rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings is one of the most satisfying meals you can prepare in your own kitchen.

The secret to making truly delicious homemade pizza starts with two essential components: a soft, elastic pizza dough and a flavorful tomato sauce. When prepared from scratch, these simple ingredients create a pizza with a wonderfully crispy bottom, tender edges, and a fresh, savory flavor.

At deesviral, we love sharing easy homemade recipes that transform everyday ingredients into family favorites. These Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauce recipes are perfect for weekend dinners, family pizza nights, gatherings with friends, or whenever you’re craving a delicious restaurant-style pizza at home.

With a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can prepare homemade pizza that’s flavorful, satisfying, and completely customizable.

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1. Homemade Pizza Dough 🍕

Homemade Pizza Dough is soft, elastic, and easy to work with, creating the perfect foundation for your favorite pizza toppings. This simple yeast dough bakes into a beautiful golden crust with lightly crispy edges and a tender, chewy center.

Whether you prefer thin-crust pizza or a slightly thicker homemade crust, this versatile recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Ingredients

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon instant dry yeast

¾ cup (180 ml) warm water

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

Extra flour for dusting

Extra olive oil for greasing the bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar.

Add the dry yeast and stir gently.

Allow the mixture to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes, until slightly foamy.

The water should be warm but not hot, ideally around 100–110°F (38–43°C).

If you’re using instant yeast, this step is optional because instant yeast can be mixed directly with the flour.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Place the all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Stir until the salt is evenly distributed.

Make a small well in the center of the flour.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour the yeast mixture into the center of the flour.

Add the olive oil.

Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until the ingredients begin to form a rough dough.

If the dough feels too dry, add warm water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.

Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes, until smooth, soft, and elastic.

Push the dough away with the heel of your hand, fold it back toward you, and repeat.

The dough should feel slightly tacky but should not stick heavily to your hands.

Avoid adding too much extra flour, as this can make the pizza crust dry and dense.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough for Rising

Lightly grease a large mixing bowl with olive oil.

Place the dough inside and turn it once so all sides are lightly coated.

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise

Place the covered bowl in a warm, draft-free area.

Allow the dough to rise for approximately 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

The rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

For a deeper flavor, you can refrigerate the covered dough overnight after a short initial rise.

Step 7: Punch Down the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently press it down with your fingertips to release excess air.

Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Shape it into a smooth ball.

Step 8: Rest Before Shaping

Cover the dough and let it rest for approximately 10–15 minutes.

This short resting period relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to stretch without shrinking back.

Step 9: Shape the Pizza Crust

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven during preheating and allow it to heat thoroughly for at least 30 minutes.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface.

Using your fingertips, gently press the dough outward from the center.

Stretch it into a circle approximately 12 inches wide for a thinner pizza, or 10 inches wide for a thicker crust.

Leave the outer edge slightly thicker to create a beautiful raised crust.

Step 10: Transfer to the Pizza Pan

Lightly grease a pizza pan or prepare a sheet of parchment paper suitable for your oven temperature.

Transfer the shaped dough carefully.

If desired, brush the edges lightly with olive oil.

Step 11: Add Pizza Sauce and Toppings

Spread approximately ½ cup of homemade pizza sauce over the center of the dough.

Leave a small border around the edges.

Add shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings.

Avoid adding too much sauce or too many toppings, as excessive moisture can prevent the crust from baking properly.

Step 12: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust and the amount of toppings.

The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the bottom is properly cooked.

Step 13: Cool Slightly and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven.

Allow it to rest for approximately 2–3 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with fresh basil, oregano, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Slice and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Pizza Dough

Use warm water: Warm water helps activate the yeast, but excessively hot water can damage it.

Knead properly: Kneading develops gluten and gives the dough its elastic texture.

Allow enough rising time: A properly risen dough creates a softer, lighter crust.

Avoid excessive flour: Adding too much flour can make the dough tough.

Preheat the oven thoroughly: High heat helps create a beautifully golden crust.

Use a pizza stone if available: A hot pizza stone or steel produces a crispier bottom.

Avoid overloading with toppings: Too many toppings can make the center soggy.

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2. Homemade Pizza Sauce 🍅

Homemade Pizza Sauce is rich, flavorful, and wonderfully aromatic, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and dried oregano. Unlike some store-bought sauces, this homemade version allows the natural sweetness and fresh flavor of tomatoes to shine through.

A good pizza sauce should be thick enough to spread easily without soaking into the dough. This simple stovetop recipe creates a delicious tomato base that complements mozzarella cheese, vegetables, pepperoni, chicken, and many other popular pizza toppings.

Ingredients

1 pound (450 g) fresh ripe tomatoes

2 teaspoons olive oil

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

½ teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)

4–5 fresh basil leaves (optional)

1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a thicker sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water.

Remove the stems and any tough core sections.

Using a sharp knife, make a small X-shaped cut on the bottom of each tomato.

This will make the skins easier to remove after blanching.

Step 2: Blanch the Tomatoes

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil.

Carefully place the tomatoes into the boiling water.

Allow them to cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, until the skins begin to loosen.

Transfer the tomatoes immediately to a bowl of cold water.

Let them cool for a minute before peeling away the skins.

Step 3: Chop the Tomatoes

Cut the peeled tomatoes into small pieces.

If you prefer a thicker pizza sauce, remove some of the watery seeds before chopping.

You can also crush the tomatoes with your hands or pulse them briefly in a food processor.

Set aside.

Step 4: Heat the Olive Oil

Place a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add the olive oil and allow it to warm gently.

Avoid overheating the oil.

Step 5: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the warm olive oil.

Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring continuously.

The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.

Burnt garlic can create a bitter flavor in the finished sauce.

Step 6: Add the Tomatoes

Pour the chopped tomatoes into the saucepan.

Stir gently to combine them with the garlic and olive oil.

Allow the mixture to begin simmering.

As the tomatoes cook, they will soften and release their natural juices.

Step 7: Add the Seasonings

Add the granulated sugar, sea salt, and dried oregano.

If desired, sprinkle in a little freshly ground black pepper.

Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

The small amount of sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 8: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low.

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

During this time, excess liquid will evaporate and the tomato flavor will become more concentrated.

The sauce should gradually thicken into a rich, spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Adjust the Texture

For a rustic sauce, leave the tomato mixture slightly chunky.

For a smoother sauce, allow it to cool slightly and blend carefully with an immersion blender.

If the sauce is still too thin, continue simmering for a few additional minutes.

For extra thickness, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.

Step 10: Add Fresh Basil

If using fresh basil, tear the leaves into small pieces and stir them into the sauce during the final 2 minutes of cooking.

The basil adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes and oregano.

Step 11: Taste and Adjust

Taste the finished sauce.

Add a little more salt, oregano, or sugar if necessary.

The sauce should taste rich, slightly sweet, savory, and pleasantly tangy.

Step 12: Cool Before Using

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Allow the sauce to cool before spreading it over raw pizza dough.

Using cooled sauce helps prevent the dough from becoming overly soft before baking.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Pizza Sauce

Choose ripe tomatoes: Ripe, flavorful tomatoes produce the best homemade sauce.

Remove excess moisture: Watery tomatoes may require longer cooking to create a thick sauce.

Cook garlic gently: Garlic should become fragrant without burning.

Use dried oregano: Oregano gives pizza sauce its familiar savory flavor.

Simmer until thick: A thick sauce prevents the pizza crust from becoming soggy.

Taste before serving: Tomato acidity varies, so adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Cool the sauce: Allowing the sauce to cool makes it easier to spread over pizza dough.

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How to Make a Complete Homemade Pizza

Once your pizza dough and sauce are ready, assembling a delicious homemade pizza is simple.

Additional Ingredients

1 prepared homemade pizza dough

½ cup homemade pizza sauce

1½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh basil leaves

Your favorite pizza toppings

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Stretch the prepared pizza dough into a 10–12-inch circle.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased pizza pan or prepared baking surface.
4. Spread approximately ½ cup homemade tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Add your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or cooked chicken.
7. Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the top if desired.
8. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
9. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and allow to rest briefly.
10. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade pizza.

Delicious Homemade Pizza Variations

Classic Margherita Pizza

Spread homemade tomato sauce over the pizza dough.

Top with fresh mozzarella cheese and bake until golden.

Finish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

Pepperoni Pizza

Spread the pizza sauce over the dough.

Add shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the top.

Bake until the cheese is bubbling and the pepperoni edges are lightly crisp.

Garlic Chicken Pizza

Top the pizza dough with a light layer of sauce, cooked shredded chicken, mozzarella, and minced garlic.

Finish with fresh parsley after baking.

Vegetable Lovers Pizza

Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, and spinach.

Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese and bake until golden.

Four Cheese Pizza

Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and a small amount of Gorgonzola or another favorite cheese.

Bake until the cheeses melt together into a rich, creamy topping.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Both pizza dough and pizza sauce can be prepared in advance.

Pizza Dough: Prepare the dough, allow it to rise briefly, and refrigerate in a lightly oiled, covered container for up to 48 hours.

Before shaping, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to warm at room temperature for approximately 30–60 minutes.

Pizza Sauce: Prepare the sauce and allow it to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This makes homemade pizza night easier because the main components are already prepared.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Pizza Dough: Store refrigerated dough in a covered container for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, wrap individual dough portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Thaw frozen dough overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Pizza Sauce: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.

Leftover Pizza: Store cooked pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Reheat in a skillet or oven until thoroughly warmed and the crust becomes lightly crisp again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pizza dough without a stand mixer?

Yes. This recipe can be prepared entirely by hand.

Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely. Bread flour contains more protein and may produce a chewier pizza crust.

Why isn’t my pizza dough rising?

The yeast may be expired, the water may have been too hot, or the kitchen may be too cold.

Use fresh yeast and allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free location.

Can I make pizza sauce with canned tomatoes?

Yes. Good-quality canned crushed tomatoes work well and are a convenient alternative when fresh tomatoes are unavailable.

How do I prevent soggy pizza?

Use thick pizza sauce, avoid excessive toppings, and bake on a thoroughly preheated surface.

Can I freeze homemade pizza dough?

Yes. Divide the dough into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

What is the best temperature for baking homemade pizza?

For this recipe, 475°F (245°C) works well.

A thoroughly preheated oven helps produce a golden crust and melted cheese.

Recipe Information

Recipe	Prep Time	Additional Time	Yield
Homemade Pizza Dough	15–20 minutes	1–1½ hours rising	1 medium pizza
Homemade Pizza Sauce	10 minutes	20–30 minutes cooking	Approximately 1½ cups
Complete Homemade Pizza	10 minutes assembly	10–15 minutes baking	1 medium pizza

Course: Main Dish, Dinner

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Cooking Method: Stovetop and Oven-Baked

Difficulty: Easy

Best Served: Fresh and Hot

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Pizza Recipes

Making pizza from scratch gives you complete control over the flavor, texture, and ingredients.

The homemade dough creates a soft, chewy crust with beautifully golden edges.

The fresh tomato sauce adds a rich, savory flavor with aromatic garlic and oregano.

Together, they provide the perfect foundation for countless pizza variations.

Whether you prefer classic cheese pizza, pepperoni, fresh vegetables, or grilled chicken, these recipes make it easy to prepare delicious homemade pizza for any occasion.

Conclusion

Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauce are the perfect starting point for creating delicious, fresh pizza in your own kitchen.

With soft, elastic dough and rich, flavorful tomato sauce, you can make a comforting homemade pizza that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, and special occasions.