Easy Homemade Cheese Pizza with Tomato Sauce

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. This easy homemade cheese pizza is a favorite in our home, especially with kids! The crust is soft and golden, the tomato sauce is garlicky and rich, and the layer of melted cheese makes it a cozy, familiar classic everyone loves.

It’s baked on a regular 30 cm pizza tray, right in a home oven. No pizza stone or special equipment needed; just a few pantry staples and your favorite cheese. I use a mix of grated mozzarella and gouda for extra meltiness, but you can play around with what you have at home.

Sliced homemade cheese pizza ready to serve with crispy edges and gooey cheese

Ingredients

For one 30 cm pizza:

For the dough:

• 155 g all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon instant dry yeast

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup warm water (around 40–43°C)

For the tomato sauce:

• 200 g crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

For the topping:

• 150 g grated cheese (mozzarella, gouda, or a blend)

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead the dough until it’s soft and smooth—about 10 minutes. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot, until doubled.

While the dough rises, make the tomato sauce. Sauté garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds, then add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

Preheat your oven to 245°C (475°F), conventional setting (not fan-forced). Lightly oil a 30 cm pizza tray. Stretch the dough out evenly to fit the tray.

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, then top with the grated cheese.

Bake on the middle rack for about 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let it cool slightly before slicing—and watch it disappear!