Delicious Pizza Recipe: A Simple Yet Perfect Homemade Pizza

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and dried oregano. Add the yeast mixture and stir to form a dough.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Cook the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s preheating.
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it in half (for two smaller pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza). Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer to Baking Sheet or Stone: If using a baking sheet, lightly grease it and place the rolled-out dough onto it. For a crispy crust, use a preheated pizza stone.
Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce.
Add Toppings: Add your choice of toppings on top of the cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza

Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color. Slice and serve hot!
Serving and Storage Tips