Ultimate Homemade Cheese Pizza Recipe

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By Omar Villanueva - February 11, 2026

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Ultimate Homemade Cheese Pizza Recipe

There is nothing quite like the smell of a fresh pizza baking in your oven. It fills the entire house with a scent that makes everyone run to the kitchen. You know what? Making it at home is actually much easier than most people think.

You do not need a fancy wood fired oven to get that perfect crust. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that looks like those Cheese Pizza Pictures you see online. Let us get started on this delicious journey together.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Honestly, the best part about this pizza is the control you have over the ingredients. You get to decide exactly how much Food Cheese goes on top. There is no stingy topping application when you are the chef in charge of the kitchen.

This recipe focuses on a crispy crust that does not flop over when you pick it up. We use a special par bake method to ensure the dough is cooked all the way through. No one likes a soggy center, and this method fixes that problem forever.

It is also very budget friendly compared to ordering out. You can feed the whole family for a fraction of the price of a delivery order. Plus, the quality of a fresh Cheese topped Pizza Slice made by your own hands is truly unbeatable.

You will love how customizable this is for your family. If some people want beef pepperoni and others want just cheese, you can easily split the toppings. It is a fun activity that brings everyone together on a Friday night.

The visual appeal is another reason to love it. When you pull a Cheese Pizza On A Tray out of the oven, the golden crust and bubbly cheese look incredible. It is the kind of meal that makes you feel proud of your cooking skills.

Ingredients

To make one twelve inch pizza, you will need the following items. Please make sure your ingredients are at room temperature if possible for the best results with your dough.

  • 1 16 ounce ball of pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for rubbing the dough
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 3 ounces thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
  • 5 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2.5 ounces beef pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1 Preheat The Oven And Stone

Place a pizza stone in the bottom third of your oven. If you do not have a stone, a rimmed baking sheet or a pizza pan will work just fine for this process.

Preheat your oven to 550 degrees F or as high as it can go. Let that stone preheat for at least 30 minutes. This is vital for getting a crust that looks like Cheese Pizza Images from a professional shop.

Step 2 Prepare Your Work Surface

I prefer to rub my counter with a little bit of oil. You can use flour if your dough is very sticky, but too much flour can make the crust tough. A light touch is best here.

Step 3 Roll Out The Dough

Place your dough ball in the center and press it down with your hands. Move outward from the center gently. You can use a rolling pin if you prefer, but keep rotating it for a circular shape.

It does not have to be a perfect circle. Use your fingers to shape the edges into a thicker crust. Continue until the dough is about twelve inches across and ready for the next step.

Step 4 Transfer To Parchment Paper

Transfer the dough to a square of parchment paper. This makes moving the pizza into the hot oven so much easier. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top and rub it all over.

The oil acts as a barrier so the sauce does not make the dough soggy. If you like a thicker crust, let it rest for ten minutes now. If you are hungry, you can skip the rest.

Step 5 The Par Bake

Slide the dough on the parchment paper onto the hot stone in the oven. Bake it for just one or two minutes until it puffs up slightly. This guarantees a crispy bottom every time.

Pull it out carefully using the edge of the paper. Keep the oven door shut to hold the heat. Poke down any large bubbles that might have formed on the surface of the crust.

Step 6 Top Your Pizza

Spread one cup of sauce over the dough using a ladle. Layer on the sliced mozzarella first, then the shredded mozzarella. This double layer creates a beautiful Cheese topped Pizza Slice when cut.

Add your beef pepperoni and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Feel free to add beef sausage or turkey ham if you want more variety. Just do not overload it or it will not cook evenly.

Step 7 The Final Bake

Transfer the pizza back onto the stone, but this time without the parchment paper. Bake for eight to twelve minutes. You want the edges to be golden brown and the cheese to be bubbly.

If the top browns too fast, put some foil over it. Check the bottom to make sure it is not white. A well cooked base is what makes a Cheese Pizza Photo look so appetizing and tasty.

Step 8 Cool And Slice

Remove the pizza and slide it onto a cooling rack. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy from steam. Let it sit for a few minutes before moving it to a cutting board.

Slice it into eight pieces. You will notice it looks just like a Cheese Pizza Stock Image from a magazine. Now is the time to finally eat and enjoy your hard work with your family.

How To Store Leftovers

If you have any pieces left, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

For longer storage, you can freeze the slices. Place them on a tray to freeze individually first, then move them to a bag. This keeps them from sticking together in a big clump.

When you want to eat them again, use an air fryer or a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy crust. Reheating on a skillet also works wonders for leftovers.

Sometimes a cold Cheese topped Pizza Slice is exactly what you need for breakfast. It is a classic choice for a reason. Just make sure it was stored properly so it stays safe to eat.

Tips

Use high quality cheese for the best melt. Pre shredded cheese in bags often has starch that prevents it from melting perfectly. Grating your own block of mozzarella makes a huge difference.

Make sure your oven is truly hot. Even if the beep goes off, the stone needs that full 30 minutes to absorb the heat. This is the secret to a professional crust at home.

Do not be afraid to get messy with the dough. It takes practice to get the shape right. Even an oval or a square pizza tastes just as good as a round one does.

Keep your toppings balanced. If you put too many vegetables on, they will release water and make the dough soft. Stick to a few high quality ingredients for the best structural integrity.

Try placing your Cheese Pizza On Paper when serving to absorb any extra oil from the beef pepperoni. It gives it that authentic shop feel that kids and adults both love so much.

Conclusion

Making a pizza at home is a rewarding experience that anyone can master. It is about the joy of creating something from scratch and sharing it with the people you love most.

With this recipe, you have all the tools to succeed. From the par bake to the selection of Food Cheese, every step helps you achieve greatness. You will never want to order out again.

So grab your dough and get that oven hot. Your kitchen is about to become the best restaurant in town. Enjoy every bite of your beautiful Cheese Pizza On A Tray today.

FAQ

Can I Use Store Bought Dough

Yes you certainly can. Most grocery stores sell fresh dough in the deli section. It works perfectly with this method and saves you a lot of time on a busy weeknight.

What If I Do Not Have A Pizza Stone

You can use an upside down baking sheet. Just let it preheat the same way you would a stone. It will still provide that direct heat needed to crisp up the bottom crust.

Why Is My Crust Soggy

This usually happens if the oven is not hot enough or if there is too much sauce. Make sure to follow the par bake step and do not overload the middle area.

Can I Add Other Toppings

Absolutely. You can add turkey ham and pineapple or beef sausage and onions. Just keep the amounts reasonable so the pizza can still cook through to the center without any issues.

Crispy Homemade Cheese Pizza

★★★★★

Making a delicious cheese pizza at home is easier than you think! Get a perfectly crispy crust and customize toppings for a family-friendly weeknight meal that beats takeout. This no-fuss recipe focuses on a crispy crust that doesn’t flop, thanks to a smart par-bake method.

⏱ Total Time: 1h
🍽️ Yield: 1 twelve inch pizza (8 slices)

Requirements

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place a pizza stone in the bottom third of your oven. If you do not have a stone, a rimmed baking sheet or a pizza pan will work just fine for this process. Preheat oven to 550 degrees F (or highest setting) for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Lightly rub your clean counter with a little olive oil (or use flour for sticky dough).
  3. Place dough ball in the center and press outward gently with hands, or use a rolling pin, rotating for a circular shape. Form thicker edges for the crust. Continue until about twelve inches across.
  4. Transfer the dough to a square of parchment paper. Drizzle and rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top to prevent sogginess. (Optional: let rest 10 minutes for thicker crust).
  5. Slide the dough on the parchment paper onto the hot stone. Bake for 1-2 minutes until slightly puffed. Carefully remove, keeping oven hot. Poke down any large bubbles.
  6. Spread 1 cup of pizza sauce over the par-baked dough. Layer sliced mozzarella cheese, then shredded mozzarella. Add beef pepperoni and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
  7. Transfer the pizza back onto the stone (without parchment paper). Bake for 8-12 minutes until edges are golden and cheese is bubbly. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
  8. Remove pizza and slide onto a cooling rack for a few minutes to prevent a soggy bottom. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into eight pieces, and enjoy!

Notes

Use high quality cheese for the best melt. Grating your own block of mozzarella makes a huge difference.

Ensure your oven and stone are fully preheated for at least 30 minutes for a professional crispy crust.

Don’t be afraid to get messy with the dough; an oval or square pizza tastes just as good!

Keep toppings balanced to avoid releasing too much water and making the dough soft.

Try placing your pizza on paper when serving to absorb extra oil from the beef pepperoni.

Nutrition

300
Calories
3g
Sugar
12g
Fat
30g
Carbs

About the Author

Omar Villanueva
February 8, 2026
Growing up in a big family, Omar learned that the best meals bring people together. He focuses on soulful recipes that make you slow down and smile.

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