Name: Homemade Pizza with Store-Bought Dough Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pizza dough (store-bought, approx. 1 lb); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Toppings of choice (approx. 1 1/2 cups, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)

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Introduction

Making homemade pizza is easier than you think, especially with store-bought dough. This recipe delivers a chewy crust, gooey cheese, and endless toppings to satisfy any craving.

A large pizza on a cardboard box with a thick golden-brown crust, topped with melted white cheese spread evenly across the surface. There are visible layers of cooked ground meat, slices of pink sausage pieces scattered around, chopped green bell peppers, and small chunks of red tomato. The cheese looks bubbly and slightly browned in spots, giving a rich texture. The pizza is cut into eight slices and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package pizza dough (about $3.99)
1/2 cup pizza sauce (about $2.99)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about $4.99)
Toppings of your choice (approximately $5.99)
1 tablespoon olive oil ($0.50)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ($0.25)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ($0.25)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to get it nice and hot for baking the pizza crispier.
Step 2: Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature. This makes stretching it easier and prevents tearing.
Step 3: On a floured surface, gently stretch the dough into a round shape about 12 inches in diameter, being careful not to create holes.
Step 4: Transfer the stretched dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil.
Step 5: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and your chosen toppings on top. Finish with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 7: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set.

Tips & Variations

For a crispier crust, pre-bake the stretched dough for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.
Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or parmesan for added flavor.
Try toppings like mushrooms, pepperoni, bell peppers, or fresh basil to customize your pizza.
If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out a bit more but watch baking time to avoid dryness.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven at 375°F for best texture instead of the microwave.

How to Serve

A pizza with a thick golden-brown crust sits inside a cardboard box, cut into eight slices. The bottom layer is a red tomato sauce peeking through the melted layer of gooey white cheese covering the pizza. Scattered on top are small pieces of cooked ground meat, slices of pink sausage, diced red tomatoes, and chunks of green bell pepper, all blending into the cheesy surface. The pizza looks hot and freshly made, with some parts of the cheese slightly browned and bubbly. The box is placed on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw the dough fully in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before stretching.

What if my dough tears while stretching?

If small tears happen, you can pinch the dough back together gently. If the dough is too cold or stiff, let it rest a few more minutes to relax the gluten.