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Classic cheese pizza is a go-to favorite for a quick dinner that satisfies cravings without much hassle. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious, comforting, and easy to prepare. With a golden crust, gooey mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, this pizza is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic cheese pizza is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that you can easily customize or keep traditional. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes!
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings.
- Family-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Comfort food: Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Classic Cheese Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness, about 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the dough with olive oil, making sure to cover the edges for a golden crust.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the cheese.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve hot!
Tips for the Best Results
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
- Let the pizza dough come to room temperature before shaping for easier handling.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or parmesan for added flavor.
Easy Variations
- Veggie Delight: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms on top of the cheese before baking.
- Meat Lovers: Top with pepperoni, sausage, or cooked bacon.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil or oregano on top before baking for a burst of freshness.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic breadsticks for dipping
- A side of marinara sauce for extra saucy goodness
- Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing dessert
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or lined baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil, covering the edges.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes: For a crispier crust, use a preheated pizza stone.
