10 Best Recipes to Make Pizza at Home (Quick & Easy)

Searching for the best recipes to make pizza at home? Whether you’re after a classic Italian-style Margherita, a creative BBQ chicken pizza, or even a sweet dessert pizza, this comprehensive guide delivers tried-and-tested recipes to make pizza that suits beginners and experienced cooks alike. You’ll never need to order takeaway again.

These recipes to make pizza open up endless customisation possibilities and deliver restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. From traditional thick-crust pizzas to quick microwave versions and creative variations, this collection of pizza recipes covers every craving imaginable.

Essential Pizza Foundations

Before diving into specific recipes to make pizza, mastering the basics of pizza dough and sauce is crucial. These fundamental recipes form the foundation of countless pizza variations.

Basic Pizza Dough Recipe

The cornerstone of all great recipes to make pizza, this traditional dough recipe creates a versatile base perfect for any topping combination.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Rising Time: 50-60 minutes | Serves: 2-3 pizzas | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 350ml (1½ cups) warm water, see Hydration Note below
• 15g (1 tablespoon) active dried yeast
• 440g (3½ cups) plain flour (all-purpose flour) OR strong white bread flour OR Type 00 flour for authentic results
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
• 5g (1 teaspoon) salt
• 5g (1 teaspoon) caster sugar

Flour Note: For a more authentic, chewy Neapolitan-style crust with better texture, use strong white bread flour (12-14% protein) or Italian Type 00 flour. These higher-protein flours develop more gluten, creating the characteristic elasticity and chewiness of restaurant-quality pizza. Plain flour is ideal for beginners, as it yields a lighter, crisper crust.

Hydration Note: The water amount creates approximately 79% hydration, which works perfectly for plain flour (all-purpose flour). If using Type 00 or strong bread flour, you may prefer to reduce water to 330-340ml (approximately 1⅓ cups) for a more traditional 60% hydration dough, which is easier to handle and creates a chewier, more authentic texture. Higher-protein flours absorb water differently and benefit from lower hydration ratios.

Preparation:

1. Combine yeast with warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Leave for 5 minutes until bubbles appear.
2. Place flour in a large bowl and create a well in the centre. Pour in the yeast mixture.
3. Add olive oil and salt, then knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and leave it in a warm place for 50-60 minutes, until it has doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For beginners, use a rolling pin for easier handling. For experts, stretch with your fingertips to preserve air bubbles, resulting in a lighter crust.

Top Tip: For enhanced flavour, prepare this dough the night before and refrigerate overnight. The slow fermentation develops complex flavours and improves texture. For professional-quality results, use strong bread flour or Type 00 flour instead of plain flour.

Perfect Pizza Sauce

A rich, flavourful sauce that completes all the best recipes to make pizza. This recipe delivers authentic Italian flavour and makes enough for 3-4 pizzas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Yield: 3-4 cups | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 15g (1 tablespoon) butter
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 5 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 400g tinned chopped tomatoes)
• 30g (2 tablespoons) tomato purée (tomato paste)
• 15g (1 tablespoon) caster sugar
• 5g (1 tablespoon) salt
• 5g (1 tablespoon) dried oregano
• 2g (1 teaspoon) dried basil
• 1g (½ teaspoon) black pepper

Preparation:

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato purée, sugar, salt, oregano, basil, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened.
5. Cool slightly before using in your recipes to make pizza.

Storage Tip: This sauce keeps refrigerated for 5 days or frozen for 3 months, making it perfect for batch-cooking your favourite recipes to make pizza.

Classic Recipes to Make Pizza

These traditional recipes to make pizza showcase timeless flavour combinations perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Traditional Pizza Tray

The ultimate recipe to make pizza at home that delivers restaurant-quality results with a perfectly crispy base and delicious chewy edge.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 40 minutes rising) | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4-6 people | Difficulty: Medium

For the dough:

• 310g (2½ cups) plain flour (all-purpose flour) or strong white bread flour for better texture
• 10g (1 tablespoon) instant dried yeast
• 5g (1 teaspoon) salt
• 2g (1 teaspoon) dried oregano
• 5g (1 teaspoon) caster sugar
• 240ml (1 cup) warm water
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) corn oil or vegetable oil

For the topping:

• 120ml (½ cup) pizza sauce
• 1 medium green pepper (bell pepper), sliced
• 60g (½ cup) black olives, sliced
• 75g (1 cup) mushrooms, sliced
• 200g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 100g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation:

1. In a mixer bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, salt, oregano, and sugar.
2. Add oil and warm water, mixing until the dough forms a smooth consistency. Gradually add the remaining flour and knead for 5 minutes.
3. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it sit for 30 minutes, until it has doubled in size.
4. Press dough into an oiled 28cm (11-inch) pizza tray. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
5. Spread pizza sauce, then layer peppers, olives, mushrooms, and cheeses.
6. Leave in a warm spot for 10 minutes.
7. Bake at 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6) for 30 minutes until golden.

Make-Ahead Tip: This is one of those recipes to make pizza that freezes brilliantly. Freeze dough after rising, then defrost in the fridge for 12 hours and at room temperature for 4 hours before using.

Quick & Easy Recipes to Make Pizza

When time is short, these speedy recipes to make pizza deliver delicious results in minutes. From microwave pizzas to creative cheese-crust alternatives, you’ll find something for every quick-meal occasion.

Frico-Style Cheese-Crust Pizza (No Oven, No Dough)

A unique recipe to make pizza without traditional dough, where crispy melted cheese forms the “crust.” This isn’t a traditional pan pizza; it’s a frico (Italian fried cheese) technique adapted into pizza form, perfect for low-carb diets.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 1-2 people | Difficulty: Very Easy

Ingredients:

• 100g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 60g pepperoni slices
• 15g (½ cup fresh leaves) fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• 5ml (1 teaspoon) sunflower oil or vegetable oil
• 45ml (3 tablespoons) pizza sauce

Preparation:

1. Select a medium or large frying pan depending on your desired pizza size.
2. Place the pan on the hob over medium heat and add the oil, swirling to coat the pan evenly.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the entire pan base. This cheese layer becomes your crust, so cover it completely.
4. Allow the cheese to begin melting and bubbling (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Carefully spread the pizza sauce over the melted cheese layer.
6. Add pepperoni slices, mushrooms, or your favourite toppings.
7. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
8. Check the edges with a spatula to ensure the cheese isn’t sticking.
9. Continue cooking until the bottom turns golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes total).
10. Slide onto a plate, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.

Note on Terminology: This is one of the most creative recipes to make pizza without traditional dough. Unlike traditional pan pizzas that use yeasted dough cooked in a cast-iron skillet, this version uses the cheese itself as the base, making it completely dough-free.

5-Minute Microwave Pizza

The fastest of all recipes to make pizza, perfect for quick snacks, late-night cravings, or when you need pizza right now.

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 3 minutes | Serves: 2-3 people | Difficulty: Very Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough portion (approximately 200g)
• 120ml (½ cup) pizza sauce
• 50g (½ cup) sliced mushrooms
• 100g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 60g (½ cup) black olives, sliced
• 1 red pepper (bell pepper), sliced

Preparation:

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of ½ cm.
2. Transfer to a lightly oiled microwave-safe plate.
3. Prick holes across the dough with a fork.
4. Spread pizza sauce, then add mushrooms, mozzarella, olives, and peppers.
5. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the dough is cooked through.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the microwave wattage. Start with 3 minutes. This is one of the most convenient recipes for making pizza when you’re short on time.

Quick Toast Pizza

A brilliant after-school snack and one of the simplest recipes to make pizza, transforming ordinary bread into mini pizzas in minutes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Serves: 2 people | Difficulty: Very Easy

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of thick white or wholemeal bread
• 100g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 100g chopped black olives
• 1 green pepper (bell pepper), finely diced
• 60ml (4 tablespoons) pizza sauce

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Arrange bread slices on a baking tray.
3. Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each slice.
4. Top with green pepper, olives, and mozzarella.
5. Grill or bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden.

Variation: This is one of those recipes for making pizza that children love to customise, so try different toppings like sweetcorn, ham, or mushrooms.

Creative Recipes to Make Pizza

These innovative recipes to make pizza push boundaries and combine unexpected flavours for truly memorable meals.

BBQ Chicken Pizza with Homemade Sauce

One of the most popular recipes to make pizza, this restaurant-quality version combines tender chicken with smoky, tangy barbecue sauce.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4-6 people | Difficulty: Medium

For the BBQ sauce:

• 60ml (4 tablespoons) tomato ketchup
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) soy sauce
• 45g (3 tablespoons) soft brown sugar
• 10ml (2 teaspoons) apple cider vinegar
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 120ml (½ cup) water

For the pizza:

• 1 ready-made pizza dough (or use Basic Pizza Dough recipe)
• 1 cooked chicken breast (approximately 150g), shredded
• 1 onion, sliced
• 300g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 60ml (¼ cup) melted butter
• 1 clove garlic, crushed

Preparation:

1. For the sauce: Heat the oil, then sauté the onion and garlic until golden. Add ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and water. Simmer 10-15 minutes until thick. Blend until smooth.
2. Mix melted butter with crushed garlic.
3. Roll out the dough and place it on a baking tray. Brush with garlic butter.
4. Spread BBQ sauce generously, then add chicken and onions.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake at 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6) for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Make-Ahead Tip: BBQ sauce keeps refrigerated for one week, making this one of the best make-ahead recipes for pizza.

Chicken Alfredo Pizza (White Pizza)

A creamy, indulgent recipe to make pizza that swaps tomato sauce for rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for impressing dinner guests.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 3-4 people | Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

• 1 ready-made pizza dough (or use Basic Pizza Dough recipe)
• 35g (2½ tablespoons) butter
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 350ml (1½ cups) double cream (heavy cream, 48% fat)
• 30g (3 tablespoons) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2g (½ teaspoon) salt
• 1g (¼ teaspoon) black pepper
• 5g (1 tablespoon) fresh parsley, chopped
• 150g (1 cup) grilled or fried chicken pieces
• 75g (1 cup) sliced mushrooms
• 30g (1 cup loosely packed) fresh spinach, chopped
• 200g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation:

1. Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add the double cream and stir for 15-20 minutes, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
3. Mix in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley. Set aside to cool.
4. Roll out the dough and place it on a baking tray.
5. Spread Alfredo sauce evenly, leaving a border for the crust.
6. Top with chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and mozzarella.
7. Bake at 220°C (425°F/Gas Mark 7) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Pro Tip: This is one of the most elegant recipes for making pizza for special occasions. Marinate chicken in Italian herbs before cooking for extra flavour.

Pizza Muffins (Perfect for Lunchboxes)

Adorable individual pizzas baked in muffin tins are one of the most creative recipes to make pizza that’s perfect for children’s parties and packed lunches.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 12 muffins | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 250g (2 cups) pancake mix or self-raising flour
• 115g (½ cup) melted butter
• 3 eggs
• 240ml (1 cup) milk
• 2g (½ tablespoon) dried basil
• 2g (½ tablespoon) dried oregano
• 2g (½ teaspoon) garlic powder
• 50g (½ cup) mini pepperoni slices
• 100g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 18 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) double cream (heavy cream)
• 20g (2 tablespoons) grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F/Gas Mark 5). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Mix pancake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until just combined.
3. Place 1 tablespoon batter in each muffin cup.
4. Sprinkle basil, oregano, garlic powder, pepperoni, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes over each base.
5. Whisk together 2 eggs, milk, and cream. Pour the batter into each muffin cup, filling them three-quarters of the way full.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set.
8. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin.

Storage Tip: These are fantastic recipes for making pizza ahead, freezing, and reheating from frozen in the microwave for 45-60 seconds.

Sweet Recipes to Make Pizza

Who says all recipes to make pizza have to be savoury? These dessert pizzas offer a delightful twist on traditional recipes, perfect for special occasions.

Sweet Fruit Pizza with Cream Cheese

A stunning dessert and one of the most visually impressive recipes to make pizza, featuring a sugar cookie base with creamy frosting and fresh fruits.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 18 minutes | Serves: 8-10 people | Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

• 1 portion sweetened pizza dough (add 30g/2 tablespoons caster sugar to Basic Pizza Dough recipe)
• 120g (½ cup) cream cheese (full-fat soft cheese), softened
• 250g (2 cups) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
• 60g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) apricot jam
• 300g mixed fresh fruits (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, mandarin segments)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). Grease a 30cm (12-inch) pizza tray.
2. Roll out the sweetened dough and press it into a tray.
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
4. Beat cream cheese, icing sugar, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.
5. Prepare the fruits: slice the strawberries and kiwi, wash the blueberries, and separate the mandarin segments.
6. Spread cream cheese mixture over the cooled base.
7. Arrange fruit decoratively in concentric circles.
8. Warm apricot jam and brush over fruit for a glossy finish.
9. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: This is one of the most show-stopping recipes for making pizza for dessert. Choose colourful fruits for maximum visual impact. Best served within a few hours.

Top Tips for Perfect Pizza

Master these essential techniques to elevate all your recipes, making pizza from good to extraordinary.

Getting the Perfect Crust

• Temperature is crucial: Preheat your oven to the ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE it can reach (ideally 250°C / 480°F / Gas Mark 9 or higher) for at least 45-60 minutes, especially if using a pizza stone or steel. This extended preheat time is the single biggest secret to achieving a crispy base in a home oven. It ensures the oven walls and pizza stone are thoroughly heated, mimicking the heat of professional pizza ovens. A hot oven creates the crispy exterior and soft interior that defines great pizza.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Handle the dough gently in all your recipes to make pizza. Overworking develops too much gluten, resulting in tough pizza. 
• Beginners: A rolling pin is perfectly acceptable and makes achieving even thickness easier, just avoid pressing too hard.
• Advanced: Use fingertips to stretch the dough from the centre outwards, preserving air bubbles for a lighter, more authentic crust.
• Rest the dough: After shaping, let the dough rest for 10 minutes before adding toppings. This relaxes gluten and prevents shrinkage. 
• Pro tip: If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven during this rest period and preheat to the maximum temperature for at least 45-60 minutes in total.

Preventing Soggy Pizza

• Less is more with sauce: Use 45-60ml (3-4 tablespoons) per 30cm (12-inch) pizza. Too much liquid makes the base soggy in any recipe for pizza.
• Pre-cook watery vegetables: Mushrooms, courgettes, and peppers release moisture during cooking. Sauté them briefly beforehand to remove excess water.
• Don’t overload toppings: Each additional topping adds moisture. Stick to 3-4 toppings maximum for the best results in your recipes to make pizza.

Achieving Restaurant-Quality Flavour

• Season your dough: Add dried oregano or basil directly to the dough for extra flavour in all your recipes to make pizza.
• Use quality cheese: The choice significantly impacts your pizza. 
• For classic melt and coverage: Use low-moisture, block mozzarella (shredded), which melts evenly and provides excellent coverage without making the base soggy. 
• For an authentic Margherita, use fresh mozzarella (made from buffalo or cow’s milk), torn into pieces and patted very dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. This delivers superior flavour and authenticity but requires careful drainage. For best results, combine both types or add Parmesan, cheddar, or provolone for extra flavour depth.
• Finish with fresh ingredients: Add fresh basil, rocket, or high-quality olive oil after baking for a professional touch to your pizza recipes.

With these recipes to make pizza, you’ll discover a world of culinary creativity and deliver restaurant-quality results for a fraction of the cost. Whether you’ve tried the Traditional Pizza Tray recipe, experimented with quick options like our Frico-Style Cheese-Crust Pizza or Microwave Pizza, or created something special with our BBQ Chicken or Fruit Pizza recipes, you’re now equipped to make perfect pizza every time.

The beauty of these recipes to make pizza lies in their versatility. You can adapt them to meet dietary requirements, use seasonal ingredients, involve children in the cooking process, or prepare them ahead of time for busy weeknights. From perfect pizza dough and sauce foundations to creative variations and troubleshooting tips, this guide covers everything you need.

Remember, the best recipes to make pizza are the ones made with love in your own kitchen, customised exactly to your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and make these recipes your own. With practice, you’ll develop an intuitive understanding of dough consistency, topping quantities, and cooking times. dough consistency, topping quantities, and cooking times.

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