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Easy Crispy DIY Pizza Recipe Under 8 Dollars Perfect for Beginners

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A quick and easy homemade pizza recipe featuring a crispy crust and gooey cheese, perfect for beginners and budget-friendly at under $8.

Ingredients

  • Store-bought pizza dough (about 12 ounces / 340 grams)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Tomato sauce (½ cup / 120 ml)
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 to 1 ½ cups / 100 to 150 grams)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic powder (½ teaspoon, optional)
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (a pinch)
  • Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Take the store-bought dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to relax.
  3. Lightly flour your work surface and stretch or roll the dough into a roughly 12-inch (30 cm) circle or rectangle.
  4. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the surface looks set but not browned.
  5. Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Brush the edges lightly with olive oil. Spread the tomato sauce evenly, leaving a small border.
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then add garlic powder, oregano, and any optional toppings.
  7. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, and the crust edges are crisp and golden.
  8. Let the pizza cool for 3-5 minutes before slicing to help the cheese set and make cutting easier.

Notes

Pre-baking the dough is essential for a crispy crust. Use a hot oven and keep an eye on the pizza to avoid burning. For a crispy crust without a pizza stone, preheat a baking sheet and bake directly on it. To reheat leftovers, use a skillet or oven instead of a microwave to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy pizza, crispy pizza, homemade pizza, budget-friendly pizza, beginner pizza recipe, quick pizza, DIY pizza