Classic Cheese Pizza

Savor the timeless taste of our Classic Cheese Pizza — a golden, crispy crust topped with rich tomato sauce and a generous layer of perfectly melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this pizza delivers the ultimate balance of gooey, cheesy goodness and bold, tangy flavor. Simple, satisfying, and loved by all — it’s a true comfort food classic.

Classic Cheese Pizza That Tastes Just Like Your Favorite Pizzeria

There’s nothing quite like a warm, gooey slice of classic cheese pizza fresh out of the oven. This timeless recipe features everything you love — a chewy golden crust, zesty tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. It’s pizza night perfection made right at home!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something nostalgic, this classic pizza delivers big on flavor with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Plus, it’s versatile — use it as a base for your favorite toppings, or keep it pure and cheesy for that authentic old-school pizzeria vibe.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza

  • Foolproof dough — Soft inside, crispy outside
  • Homemade sauce mix — Garlic + oregano for bold flavor
  • Perfect for beginners — No special equipment required
  • Freezer-friendly dough — Make now, bake later

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough

  • Active dry yeast
  • Sugar
  • Warm water (between 105–115°F)
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Olive oil

Sauce & Toppings

  • Tomato sauce (canned)
  • Dried oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Classic Cheese Pizza

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Mix sugar and warm water in a small bowl. Stir in the yeast and let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until combined, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour or until doubled.

Step 4: Roll and Shape

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll out one portion into your preferred pizza shape and thickness.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Cheese

Mix the tomato sauce, oregano, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Spread over the dough, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15–20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade pizza night!

Pro Tips

  • Want extra crispy crust? Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before topping.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added post-bake for added freshness.
  • Save time by prepping the dough a day in advance — it holds beautifully in the fridge!

Classic Cheese Pizza

Classic Cheese Pizza

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

Approximately 300 per slice

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F)

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil; stir until a dough forms.
  • Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  • Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
  • Punch down dough and divide in half. Roll out one portion of dough into a 12-inch circle (or whatever size desired).
  • Transfer dough to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
  • In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, oregano, and garlic powder. Spread sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
  • Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can use a store-bought pizza dough to save time.
  • Feel free to add your favorite toppings to customize the pizza.
  • For a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone.