Go Back
Freshly baked homemade Italian pizza topped with pepperoni, black olives, shredded cheese, and fresh basil leaves on a wooden board.

Easy Italian Homemade Pizza Recipe with Fresh Toppings & Sauce

chef Laya
Bring the flavors of Italy into your kitchen with this Easy Italian Homemade Pizza Recipe! Featuring a simple homemade dough, fresh tomato sauce, and vibrant toppings, this pizza delivers authentic taste with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or fun family cooking, it’s healthier, customizable, and irresistibly delicious.
Print Recipes Pin Recipe
Prepr Time 25 minutes
Cooking Time 10 minutes
1 hour
ToTal Time 1 hour 35 minutes
kitchen Italian
Serving 2

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 2 ¼ cups 280g Tipo “00” flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¾ cup 180ml warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

For Toppings

  • 6 –8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced or torn
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Cherry tomatoes halved
  • Roasted bell peppers sliced
  • Mushrooms thinly sliced
  • Thinly sliced Italian salami or prosciutto optional
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
  • Add warm water and olive oil.
  • Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Pizza Sauce:

  • In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Shape the Pizza:

  • Preheat oven to 475–500°F (245–260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside while preheating.
  • Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch each portion into a 10–12 inch round.

Assemble the Pizza:

  • Transfer dough to parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with semolina.
  • Spread a thin layer of sauce over each crust.
  • Top with mozzarella slices and your favorite fresh toppings.
  • Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Bake:

  • Slide pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh basil and grated Parmesan if desired.

Serve:

  • Slice and enjoy hot, paired with a crisp Italian salad or a glass of red wine!

Notes

  • Approx. 300–400 calories per slice depending on toppings.