Here’s everything you should know to create a pizza that surpasses your favorite restaurant’s—right in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Last week, I received my fourth text in just two weeks about the same inquiry: “We just acquired a pizza oven—help! Where should we begin?” It appears that everyone in our circle of friends has embraced the outdoor pizza oven craze, opting for either an Ooni or a Roccbox (which is our choice and we absolutely adore).
After years of honing our pizza skills and hosting numerous weekend pizza get-togethers, Alex and I came to realize we have amassed a wealth of tips to impart. This actually inspired our new Instagram series centered on pizza creation. Because honestly, once you grasp the fundamentals, there’s truly nothing like extracting a perfectly charred, bubbling pizza from a sizzling oven in your own backyard.
However, these pizza tips are effective even if you don’t have a pizza oven! You can create exceptional pizza right in your conventional oven.
Why Friday pizza night became our tradition
When you craft a pizza from scratch, you’re not merely feeding people—you’re curating an experience (right?!). There’s that moment of excitement as the dough rises, the creativity involved in selecting toppings, and that marvelous instant when you remove a bubbling, charred pizza from the oven.
It has turned into our weekly reset, a delightful way to shift from the chaos of the week to the relaxation of the weekend.
The foundation: perfecting your dough
The key to mastering how to make a pizza that competes with your beloved pizzeria begins with excellent pizza dough. I’ve experimented with numerous recipes throughout the years, and Alex and I have a few preferred choices based on my mood and schedule:
For newcomers, I suggest beginning with our traditional pizza dough recipe—it’s fail-safe. If you’re feeling adventurous, try our Italian pizza dough recipe for that genuine, chewy consistency. For those evenings when you desire something lighter, our easy thin crust pizza dough is just right.
Do you have a stand mixer? Our pizza dough stand mixer method will save you both time and effort.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a pizza oven, check out this Ooni pizza dough recipe: it’s tailored for high-heat cooking.
Want an even simpler pizza dough? Try this sheet pan pizza, which produces 3 medium pizzas simultaneously on a sheet pan, or my preferred deep dish pan pizza made in a cast iron skillet.
The art of topping your pizza
This is where the real excitement starts. When you prepare a pizza at home, you get to become the creator. Begin with staples like our Margherita pizza or pizza marinara—both demonstrate that simple ingredients can yield something spectacular.
Our absolute favorite topping is this quick pizza sauce recipe: it can be prepared in 5 minutes, no cooking necessary, and the taste is incredibly good! (It’s the recipe I’ve utilized the most on this entire site.)
For something bolder, try mushroom pizza with fresh herbs or the spicy vegetarian diavola pizza. Cheese enthusiasts will be obsessed with this quattro formaggi pizza and goat cheese pizza.
Need additional inspiration? Our extensive guide to pizza toppings and our complete collection of pizza recipes will ignite your creativity.
Beyond traditional: mix things up
Occasionally, you want to craft a pizza but crave something unconventional. That’s when I reach for our Mexican pizza recipe or even pita pizza for a quick weeknight option. This olive pizza is ideal for lovers of Mediterranean flavors, while shrimp pizza feels tastefully indulgent.
Making it a complete experience
When you prepare a pizza, don’t overlook the sides! Check out my guide to accompany pizza sides for the perfect additions. And if you’re inviting friends over, our how to throw a pizza party podcast includes all the advice you need.
Essential pizza gear
When preparing pizza at home, there are a few essential tools you’ll require. For a standard oven, you’ll need a pizza stone to achieve that ideal crisp tender crust. A pizza peel simplifies the process of removing the pizza from the oven.
Tipo 00 flour is crucial for achieving exceptional pizza dough with the ideal texture. And if you’re considering a pizza oven, here are our recommendations!
Start this Friday!
Eager to create a pizza that will become your new Friday night ritual? Select your dough, gather your toppings, and remember—perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is. Some of my fondest pizza experiences include slightly charred crusts and topping mishaps that somehow turned out delicious because Alex and I made them together.
Whether you’re longing for a Neapolitan pizza or wish to try my best healthy pizza, the most vital ingredient is the love you infuse into it. Believe me, once you start making pizza at home, you’ll never want to return to delivery!