This hearty homemade pizza is a perfect combination of crispy crust, melty cheese, and savory toppings. With both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, plus a generous layer of tomato sauce and classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and peppers, it’s everything you want from a comforting pizza night—straight from your own oven. Whether you use store-bought dough or make it from scratch, this recipe is adaptable and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base
Store-bought or homemade pizza dough
For the Sauce
Pizza sauce (your choice of store-bought or homemade)
For the Cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Cubed or shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: cream cheese (for stuffed crust or dollops on top)
Toppings
Pepperoni slices
Cooked sausage chunks
Sliced mushrooms
Diced green bell pepper
Diced red bell pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (430°F). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats to get an extra-crispy base.
2. Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. For a standard crust, aim for about ½ cm. If you prefer a stuffed crust, roll the edges out slightly larger and place strips or dabs of cream cheese around the border, then fold the edge over and seal tightly.
Once shaped, transfer the dough to a baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper for easier handling. Use a fork to gently prick the surface of the dough in a few places—this prevents large bubbles during baking.
3. Add the Sauce
Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1–2 cm border for the crust. Use the back of a spoon to reach all corners. You can adjust the amount based on how saucy you like your pizza.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Then, add cubes or more shredded cheddar to introduce a deeper, slightly tangy flavor. If using cream cheese, you can add small dollops over the top for extra richness, or incorporate it into the crust as mentioned.
5. Add Toppings
Distribute the toppings evenly over the cheese. Arrange pepperoni slices, scatter cooked sausage pieces, layer in mushrooms, and sprinkle diced green and red bell peppers across the surface. Try to balance the toppings so every bite has a little of everything.
You can also experiment here: add olives, onions, jalapeños, or pineapple depending on your preferences.
6. Bake
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. If using a pizza stone or steel, slide it (with parchment) directly onto the hot surface. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the crust is nicely browned. Keep an eye on it toward the end—different ovens and doughs may vary slightly in baking time.
7. Slice and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it sit for 2 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide into pieces and serve hot while the cheese is still gooey.
Optional Additions and Tips
Homemade Dough (Optional)
If you’d like to make the dough yourself, here’s a basic version:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it foam (5–10 minutes).
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead until smooth (8–10 minutes).
- Cover and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Punch down, shape, and proceed with the pizza.
Simple Homemade Sauce (Optional)
For a quick sauce with fresh flavor:
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: pinch of sugar
Sauté garlic in olive oil, then stir in tomatoes, oregano, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Make It Spicy
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the sauce or as a final topping after baking for a spicy kick.
Cheese Crust Variation
Before baking, brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Stuffed Crust Tip
Besides cream cheese, you can also use string cheese or shredded mozzarella around the edge, then fold the crust over and seal it in.
Mini Pizzas
Divide the dough into smaller rounds and create individual-sized pizzas—great for customizing toppings for family or guests.
Serving Ideas
This pizza is best served hot, straight from the oven. It goes perfectly with:
- A green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Ranch or spicy mayo for dipping
- A cold soft drink or sparkling lemonade
It’s a great option for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even late-night cravings. You can make it ahead and refrigerate the shaped, uncooked pizza for a few hours before baking.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat slices in a skillet over low heat with the lid on (for a crisp base) or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes. Microwaving is fine but may soften the crust.
You can also freeze baked slices or even the whole pizza. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 190°C (375°F) oven for 10–15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This homemade pizza recipe is a reliable go-to for delicious results with minimal fuss. Using simple, accessible ingredients and basic techniques, you can create a pizza that rivals delivery—fresh, cheesy, and tailored to your taste. Whether you go all out with homemade dough and sauce or use shortcuts like store-bought crusts and toppings, the final dish is always satisfying.
Once you master the basic method, the possibilities are endless: try new cheeses, different sauces, and seasonal vegetables. The key is balancing moisture, flavor, and texture—something this combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and hearty toppings does perfectly. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite version.