Classic Cheese Pizza Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Classic cheese pizza is a timeless favorite that brings comfort and satisfaction to weeknight dinners. With its golden crust, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s a dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. This recipe is simple enough for even novice cooks, making it a go-to option for busy evenings when you crave something delicious without a lot of fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic cheese pizza recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons to love it:

• Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
• Customizable with your favorite toppings.
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Great for teaching kids how to cook.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make Classic Cheese Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness, usually about 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to prevent it from getting soggy. This also adds flavor.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
5. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder (if using) on top for added flavor.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
8. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then slice and serve.

Tips for the Best Results

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking surface (pizza stone or pan) before placing the pizza on it.
• Use high-quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella and good tomato sauce for the best flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize your pizza.
• If you prefer a thicker crust, let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Easy Variations

• Add pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra toppings.
• Try using a mix of cheeses, such as provolone or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
• Make a white pizza by replacing the tomato sauce with ricotta cheese and adding spinach or artichokes.

What to Serve With It

• A simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread for an extra dose of flavor.
• A selection of dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
• A glass of your favorite wine or a refreshing soda.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. For a quick option, you can microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds, but this may result in a softer crust.

Recipe Card