Sheet pan pizza is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a quick dinner or a casual gathering. Using a large sheet pan allows you to create a pizza with a crispy base and plenty of space for toppings. This versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any palate. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita or enjoy more adventurous flavors, this sheet pan pizza will surely satisfy.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Assorted toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Method:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a large sheet pan (about 13×18 inches) with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and stretch it out to fit the sheet pan. You can use your hands or a rolling pin to get the dough to an even thickness.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by Parmesan.
- Add your favorite toppings—feel free to get creative!
- Bake:
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- If you like a crispier crust, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before cutting into squares. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
Variations & Tips:
- Meat Lovers: Add pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham for a hearty and filling pizza.
- Veggie Delight: Use toppings like spinach, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- BBQ Chicken: Swap the tomato sauce for BBQ sauce, add grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a smoky, sweet twist.
- Cheesy Garlic: Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking, and add extra cheese for an indulgent garlic bread-like pizza.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough or mix and bake as instructed.
Tips:
- Don’t overload the pizza with too many toppings to ensure an even cook and crispy crust.
- Use parchment paper under the dough for easier cleanup and less sticking.
- For an extra-crispy bottom, bake the pizza on the lower rack of your oven.
- Pre-cook toppings like sausage or mushrooms that release moisture to avoid a soggy pizza.
Conclusion:
Sheet pan pizza is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or fun weekend meals. With a chewy crust, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—swap ingredients to suit your preferences, and you’ll have a fresh take on pizza every time. Enjoy experimenting and creating your own pizza masterpieces!