Quick And Easy Pizza Recipe

In my quest for the perfect weeknight dinner, I stumbled upon this ridiculously easy homemade pizza recipe that’ll have you feeling like a top-tier chef without breaking a sweat—or the bank. 🍕

I love how quickly I can whip up my Quick and Easy Pizza, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With a pre-made pizza crust as the base, I layer on robust pizza sauce and creamy shredded mozzarella cheese.

I like adding pepperoni and a sprinkle of oregano and basil for a flavor-packed bite.

Quick And Easy Pizza Recipe Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza crust: Convenient base providing carbohydrates and a crispy texture.
• Pizza sauce: Tangy tomato flavor, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creamy, cheesy goodness, with calcium and protein.
• Pepperoni: Savory, spiced meat, offering protein and a touch of spice.
• Black olives: Adds briny taste, with healthy fats and vitamin E.
• Bell peppers: Sweet crunch, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Quick And Easy Pizza Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pre-made pizza crust (or flatbread)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or topping of choice)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Make this Quick And Easy Pizza Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if not using a pizza stone.

2. Place the pre-made pizza crust on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce to cover the pizza evenly.

5. Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese, followed by optional toppings like black olives and bell peppers.

6. Sprinkle the dried oregano and basil evenly over the toppings for added flavor.

7. Drizzle the olive oil over the edge crust for a golden finish.

8. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown edge.

9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

10. Slice into desired portions and serve hot. Enjoy your quick and easy pizza!

Quick And Easy Pizza Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper (if not using a pizza stone)
4. Pizza stone (optional)
5. Spoon or spatula
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Pizza cutter or sharp knife

FAQ

• Can I use fresh dough instead of a pre-made crust? Yes, you can use fresh dough, but it will require additional preparation and cooking time compared to a pre-made crust.
• What are some alternative toppings I can use? You can use a variety of toppings like mushrooms, onions, sausage, spinach, or feta cheese. Feel free to customize to your taste.
• Is it necessary to use both oregano and basil? While both herbs enhance the flavor, you can use one or the other based on your preference, or even substitute with Italian seasoning.
• How do I make the pizza crust crispy? For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for a few minutes before adding toppings.
• Can I make this pizza gluten-free? Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza crust or flatbread to accommodate dietary needs.
• How do I avoid a soggy pizza? Avoid adding too much sauce and ensure any vegetables used are patted dry to prevent excess moisture.
• Is there a substitute for olive oil? You can use other oils like avocado oil or omit the oil entirely, though olive oil enhances the flavor and helps with crisping.

Quick And Easy Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of pre-made pizza crust, you can use a naan bread or a tortilla for a thin and crispy base.
• Substitute pizza sauce with marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Use a mix of cheddar and provolone cheese instead of mozzarella for a sharper taste.
• For a vegetarian version, replace pepperoni with slices of mushroom or zucchini.
• Feta or goat cheese can be used in place of mozzarella for a tangy twist.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat the Pizza Stone If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes. This will help achieve a crispier crust when baking.

2. Heat the Sauce Warm the pizza sauce slightly before spreading it on the crust. This can enhance the flavor and help it spread more easily.

3. Cheese Layering Technique Reserve a small amount of cheese to sprinkle over the toppings. This will help bind the toppings to the pizza and add extra texture.

4. Pepperoni Crisps For crispier pepperoni, lightly coat them with a bit of olive oil before placing them on the pizza. This helps them curl and crisp up during baking.

5. Herb Infusion Consider mixing the dried oregano and basil with the olive oil before drizzling it on the crust. This can help release the herbs’ flavors more evenly over the pizza.