Our classic Cheese Pizza is a timeless recipe, full of melted mozzarella cheese and seasoned tangy tomato sauce on a perfectly crisp crust. Simple yet satisfying- sometimes the best flavors don't need any extra toppings.
Jump to:
There's nothing more comforting than a classic cheese pizza with a crispy crust, melted bubbly cheese, and rich tomato sauce. Whether it's pizza night with the family or a quick weekend dinner, it's always a good idea. Plus, learning how to make cheese pizza at home is easier than you think.
Cheese pizza is the perfect base for a complete meal, and it pairs well with a variety of easy sides. Serve with a fresh green salad, Caesar salad, or Italian chopped salad to balance the richness of the cheese. For a fun pizza night spread, add garlic knots, breadsticks, pepperoni pizza bites or pizza bread on the side. Cheese pizza also goes great with homemade marinara sauce for dipping. Finish the meal with a sweet treat such as chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or no-bake desserts to keep things easy and satisfying.
Why You'll Love Homemade Cheese Pizza
- Making cheese pizza at home gives you full control over the ingredients, flavor, and thickness of the crust. Plus, it's a fun, budget-friendly meal the whole family can enjoy.
- Once you master this classic recipe, you can easily customize it with herbs, extra cheese blends, or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
You'll need:
- 1 (16 ounce) package of pizza dough or a homemade dough
- ⅓ cup of our delicious pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- a dash of milk
Tips from the Chefs
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting and less soggy pizza.
- Don't overload the toppings. Simple is what makes a cheese pizza shine.
- Bake hot and fast to get a crisp crust and bubbly cheese.
- Let it rest before slicing so the cheese doesn't slide off.
- Brush the crust with a mixture of milk and pizza sauce before baking for extra flavor and color.
How To Make Cheese Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 500℉ with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Stretch out your pizza dough on parchment paper or a pizza peeler sprinkled generously with semolina flour. Stretch the dough by gently pinching and pulling it into a circle until it reaches about 12-14 inches in diameter. Once the oven is at 500℉, lift the dough off the parchment or peeler. If it sticks, generously sprinkle more semolina flour underneath, place the dough back down and shake it to ensure the dough will easily slide off and onto the pizza stone/baking sheet.
- Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges for the crust.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the grated parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of milk with about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce. Brush the pizza sauce and milk mixture on the edge of the dough.
- Bake for about 10-14 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Remove from the oven using a pizza peel and let cool before slicing.
How To Store And Reheat
Fridge: Let the pizza cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored properly, pizza will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Pizza freezes very well and is great for make-ahead meals. Wrap individual slices or whole pizzas tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pizza will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: In the oven or air fryer, reheat at 375°F until warmed through and the crust is crisp. You can also heat slices in a covered skillet over medium heat for a crispy bottom and melty cheese.
Avoid reheating pizza in the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Low-moisture mozzarella is the best cheese for a classic cheese pizza. It melts evenly, browns nicely, and doesn't release too much liquid. Fresh mozzarella can be used, but it may create a softer, wetter pizza unless used sparingly.
Yes! Store bought pizza dough works great and saves time. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before stretching so it's easier to work with.
To get a crispy cheese pizza crust bake at a high temperature (475 to 525 degrees F) and use a preheated pizza stone or pan. I leave my pizza stone in the oven as it preheats and then for 20 minutes after to get it nice and hot.
Yes. Cheese pizza freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
Recipe
Cheese Pizza
Ingredients
- 16 ounce pizza dough, store bought or homemade
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500℉ with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Stretch the pizza dough on parchment paper or a pizza peeler sprinkled generously with semolina flour. Stretch the dough by gently pinching and pulling it into a circle until it reaches about 12-14 inches in diameter. Once the oven is at 500℉, lift the dough off the parchment or peeler. If it sticks, generously sprinkle more semolina flour underneath, place the dough back down and shake it to ensure the dough will easily slide off and onto the pizza stone/baking sheet.
- Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges for the crust. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the grated parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of milk with about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce. Brush the pizza sauce and milk mixture on the edge of the dough.
- Bake for about 10-14 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Remove from the oven using a pizza peel and let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting and less soggy pizza.
- Don't overload the toppings. Simple is what makes a cheese pizza shine.
- Bake hot and fast to get a crisp crust and bubbly cheese.
- Let it rest before slicing so the cheese doesn't slide off.
- Brush the crust with a mixture of milk and pizza sauce before baking for extra flavor and color.
Nutrition
Comments
No Comments