Sheet pan pizza is a convenient, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy a homemade pizza night. With a quick and easy dough recipe, you can have a delicious, crispy crust topped with your favorite ingredients in no time. This recipe will guide you through making the perfect sheet pan pizza from scratch, including a step-by-step guide to making the dough.
What is Sheet Pan Pizza?
Sheet pan pizza is a style of pizza baked in a rectangular baking sheet, resulting in a thicker, crispy crust that's perfect for feeding a crowd. It's a versatile way to enjoy pizza, allowing you to customize the toppings to suit everyone's tastes. The homemade dough is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients List for Sheet Pan Pizza
Quick Homemade Dough
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 ½ cups
- Warm Water: 1 ⅓ cups (110°F to 115°F)
- Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
Pizza Toppings (Customize as Desired)
- Pizza Sauce: 1 cup
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Pepperoni: 1 cup, sliced
- Bell Peppers: 1, sliced
- Onion: 1 small, sliced
- Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced
- Olives: ½ cup, sliced
- Fresh Basil: For garnish
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to customize your sheet pan pizza with these substitutions and variations:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough gluten-free.
- Cheese Varieties: Try other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Meat Toppings: Add sausage, ham, bacon, or grilled chicken.
- Vegetarian: Load up with veggies like spinach, artichokes, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Different Sauces: Use pesto, Alfredo, or BBQ sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
How to Make Quick Homemade Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until dissolved and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
How to Assemble and Bake the Sheet Pan Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease a large baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle to fit your baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, stretching it to the edges if necessary.
- Add the Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your desired toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your water is warm (110°F to 115°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Overworking the Dough: Knead the dough just until smooth and elastic; overworking it can make it tough.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F before baking the pizza for a crispy crust.
- Overloading with Toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Stick to a balanced amount for the best results.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Sheet Pan Pizza
Sheet pan pizza is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with sides and drinks for a complete meal:
- Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter.
- Beverages: Pair with soda, beer, or a glass of wine.
Presentation Ideas for Sheet Pan Pizza
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil, parsley, or oregano on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use a Pizza Cutter: Slice the pizza with a pizza cutter for neat, uniform pieces.
- Serve on a Wooden Board: Present the pizza on a rustic wooden board for a casual, inviting look.
Quick Homemade Dough Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
- Freezing: The dough can be frozen after the first rise. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before using.
- Adjust Flour: Add flour gradually while kneading until the dough is no longer sticky but still soft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Skip the activation step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Q: How do I store leftover pizza?
A: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough gluten-free.
Q: What other toppings can I use?
A: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding arugula, prosciutto, pineapple, or jalapeños.
Q: Is it possible to make the dough in a stand mixer?
A: Absolutely! Use the dough hook attachment and mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Conclusion
Sheet pan pizza with quick homemade dough is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, homemade pizza with minimal effort. The easy-to-make dough and customizable toppings make it perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to casual gatherings. Follow this recipe and enjoy a crispy, flavorful sheet pan pizza that’s sure to please everyone.
Try it out today and get creative with your toppings. Happy cooking!
PrintSheet Pan Pizza with Quick Homemade Dough Recipe
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 1 large sheet pan pizza (serves 4-6)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sheet Pan Pizza with Quick Homemade Dough recipe makes a perfect, easy family meal. With a soft, homemade crust and customizable toppings, it's a crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pizza:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Assorted toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a sheet pan with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit the sheet pan. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and stretch to fit.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add desired toppings, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Store-bought dough can be used for a quicker option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of pizza)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
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