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Easy Sheet Pan Pizza

Sheet Pan Pizza

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Easy Sheet Pan Pizza: Weeknight winner! Get delicious pizza fast on one pan. Perfect for busy evenings. Try it tonight!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for pan and bowl)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  • Activate your yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups warm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C), 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Give it a gentle swirl and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy – this tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
  • While your yeast is blooming, in a separate, even larger bowl (or your stand mixer bowl), whisk together 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and a quarter cup of olive oil.
  • Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the flour mixture. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead on low speed for 8-10 minutes, or if kneading by hand, do so on a lightly floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. It should feel soft and pliable, bouncing back slowly when you poke it.
  • Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough in, turning once to coat, then cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rise is crucial for developing flavor and texture!
  • While the dough is rising, prepare your pizza sauce: drain one 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes (reserving a bit of the liquid if needed). In a medium bowl, crush the tomatoes by hand or with a potato masher for a rustic texture.
  • Finely mince 2 cloves of garlic and chop a quarter cup of fresh basil leaves. Stir these into the crushed tomatoes, along with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and ½ teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is your chance to make it perfect! It should be vibrant and well-balanced.
  • When the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil onto a 13×18-inch sheet pan, ensuring the entire surface is well-coated. Transfer the dough to the pan, then gently stretch and press it out to fit the pan evenly. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to relax the gluten, then continue stretching.
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a rack in the lower-middle position. This high heat is key for a crispy crust!
  • Once the dough is stretched, evenly spread your quick tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Top generously with 2 cups of shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized in spots. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary! Let the pizza cool on the sheet pan for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and for the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy!

Notes

Get ready to revolutionize your pizza night with this incredible Sheet Pan Pizza recipe! Imagine a perfectly golden, crispy-bottomed crust that’s simultaneously chewy and airy, loaded with vibrant, tangy tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, all baked to perfection on a single sheet pan. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing masterpiece designed for ease and maximum flavor. Forget soggy centers or unevenly cooked crusts – this recipe guarantees a sublime pizza experience, brimming with rich, savory goodness that will have everyone reaching for a second (or third!) slice. It’s the ultimate combination of convenience and gourmet taste, making pizza night a celebration every time.