Pizza

Pick a base by how much time you have, then mix toppings from any recipe on the page. Preheat the oven while you prep, and use jarred sauce and pre-shredded mozzarella to save time. Flatbread and naan pizzas are great for letting everyone build their own, which makes them a good choice for family dinners and parties.

Common questions

What temperature should you bake pizza at?

Bake homemade pizza as hot as your oven goes, usually 450F to 500F. High heat cooks the crust quickly so it browns before the toppings overcook. Preheat for at least 15 to 20 minutes, ideally with a pizza stone or steel inside. Thin crusts and flatbread pizzas often take just 8 to 12 minutes.

How do you keep homemade pizza crust from getting soggy?

Use a light layer of sauce and avoid piling on wet toppings. Pat fresh mozzarella dry and precook watery vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. Bake on a preheated stone, steel or upside-down baking sheet, and place the pizza on the lowest rack. Prebaking the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings also helps.

How do you stretch store-bought pizza dough?

Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes so it relaxes, since cold dough springs back. Press it into a disc with your fingertips, then stretch from the center outward, leaving a slightly thicker edge. If it keeps shrinking, let it rest a few more minutes. A rolling pin works if you want a thin crust.

What is the best cheese for pizza?

Low-moisture mozzarella is the standard because it melts evenly, browns well and doesn't release much water. Fresh mozzarella has a softer, milky texture but needs to be patted dry. Many people add provolone for flavor or Parmesan for a salty finish. Shred cheese from a block for the smoothest melt.