Homemade Soft Pizza: A Delicious Recipe for Pizza Lovers

1. 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
2. 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
3. 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
4. 2 cups all-purpose flour
5. 1 teaspoon salt
6. 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the pizza sauce:

1. 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2. 1 clove garlic, minced
3. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
4. 1 teaspoon dried basil
5. Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

1. 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2. Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

   a. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. b. In a separate large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. c. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. d. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. e. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce:

   a. In a small saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. b. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. c. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. d. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   a. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the middle rack. b. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. c. Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface into your desired pizza shape and thickness. d. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. e. Spread a generous layer of the pizza sauce on the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. f. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce and add your favorite toppings. g. Carefully slide the parchment paper (or use the pizza peel) with the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven. h. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. i. Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Homemade soft pizza is a delightful treat that allows you to customize your favorite flavors and enjoy a slice of comfort food made with love. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a delicious pizza with a soft, fluffy crust that will rival any pizzeria. Experiment with different toppings and make it a fun family activity for a memorable pizza night at home.