Why You’ll Love Easy & Budget‑Friendly Homemade Pizza Recipe

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this homemade pizza checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make from scratch, customizable with whatever toppings you have on hand, and far more affordable than ordering delivery. Plus, it’s a fun kitchen activity that results in something truly delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
active dry yeast
sugar
salt
olive oil
warm water
tomato sauce
mozzarella cheese
optional toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers)

Directions

Prepare the dough: Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water and olive oil, then knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a cloth and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Shape the dough: Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness and shape.
Add toppings: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese and add your chosen toppings.
Bake: Transfer the pizza to a baking sheet or stone and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve: Let the pizza cool slightly, slice it up, and enjoy hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Margherita Pizza: Use fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.
BBQ Chicken Pizza: Replace tomato sauce with BBQ sauce, and top with shredded chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
Veggie Pizza: Add mushrooms, spinach, olives, red onion, and bell pepper.
Meat Lovers: Load it up with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham.
White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use garlic olive oil, ricotta, and spinach for a creamy alternative.

Storage/Reheating

To store:
Place leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze:
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (180°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Skillet: Warm over medium heat for 5–7 minutes to keep the crust crisp.
Microwave: Reheat for 1–2 minutes, though this may soften the crust.

FAQs

How far ahead can I make the dough?

You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge in an oiled bowl, covered, and let it come to room temperature before using.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome crust.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?

Bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet, and don’t overload it with sauce or toppings.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. Store-bought dough is a great shortcut and still delivers tasty results.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try provolone, cheddar, feta, goat cheese, or a shredded cheese blend designed for pizza.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love helping with toppings and shaping their own mini pizzas.

How can I make it vegan?

Use plant-based cheese and avoid meat toppings. You can also make or buy vegan pizza dough.

Can I grill the pizza?

Yes. Grill over medium heat on a pizza stone or grill pan for a smoky, crispy crust.

Can I make this without yeast?

You can try a no-yeast pizza dough using self-rising flour and yogurt or baking powder as a leavening agent.

What’s the best tomato sauce for pizza?

Use a simple sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. You can also use jarred pizza sauce or marinara in a pinch.

Conclusion

Homemade pizza doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With this easy and budget-friendly recipe, you can enjoy a crispy, cheesy, and fully customizable pizza whenever the craving strikes. Whether you stick with the basics or load it up with toppings, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for pizza nights at home.

Easy & Budget‑Friendly Homemade Pizza

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Easy & Budget‑Friendly Homemade Pizza is a delicious, customizable, and cost-effective way to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza at home using simple pantry staples and your favorite toppings.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water and olive oil, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to desired thickness and shape.
Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
Top with mozzarella cheese and your selected toppings.
Transfer pizza to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Let the pizza cool slightly, slice, and enjoy hot.

Notes

You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it.
For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone or sheet.
Use store-bought dough for a quicker version.
Make it vegan by using plant-based cheese and dough.
Freeze leftover slices for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 of pizza)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg