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Table set for a fun pizza night gathering

Speedy Weeknight Pizza

Enjoy a delicious homemade pizza in just over an hour with this speedy recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe guides you through making a perfect crust and topping it with your favorites.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • stand mixer
  • plastic wrap
  • damp towel
  • small bowl
  • pizza stone or baking steel
  • pizza peel (optional)
  • baking sheet
  • knife
  • cutting board

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm water (approx. 105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for greasing

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (15-ounce)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • red pepper flakes Pinch (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Toppings:

  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese shredded or thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • favorite toppings pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, cooked sausage, etc.

Instructions
 

Activate Yeast

  • Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate.

Mix Dough

  • Add 2 cups of flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture, then gradually add the remaining flour until a non-sticky dough forms.

Knead and Rise

  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until elastic, then oil the bowl, coat the dough, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30-40 minutes until doubled.

Prepare Toppings

  • While the dough rises, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and seasonings for the sauce, then prepare your mozzarella and other desired toppings. Preheat your oven to its highest setting (475-500°F) with a pizza stone if available, for at least 30 minutes.

Shape and Top Pizza

  • Punch down risen dough, divide into two, and stretch or roll each half into a 10-12 inch pizza crust shape on a floured surface or parchment paper. If using a pizza peel, dust it with cornmeal or semolina before transferring the dough.

Assemble and Bake

  • Spread a thin layer of sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and arrange toppings on the dough before carefully sliding it onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Serve

  • Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve, repeating the process for the second pizza.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, preheat your oven at least 30 minutes with a pizza stone. Don't overload your pizza with toppings, as this can make the crust soggy. Experiment with different cheeses and sauces to find your perfect combination.