Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces Recipe

If you’re in search of a true showstopper for pizza night, the Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces is a game-changer you’ll want to have on repeat. From a chewy, flavorful crust to two irresistible sauces—bright, herby red and luscious, creamy white—this recipe brings pizzeria quality into your kitchen. Every step is approachable, every ingredient purposeful, and the result? Pizza so good you’ll never look at takeout the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something almost magical about creating the Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces with just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient brings its own magic—texture, flavor, or essential structure—so together, they build the foundation for unforgettable homemade pizza.

• Sugar: Just a teaspoon is needed to help activate the yeast and add a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Warm Water: The perfect temperature wakes up the yeast and brings your dough together, creating that glorious rise.
• Yeast: The backbone of any good pizza crust, yeast creates airiness and stretch in the dough.
• Flour: Your pizza canvas! All-purpose flour works beautifully, yielding a tender yet chewy crumb.
• Salt: Essential for flavor—don’t skip it. It draws out the best in all the other ingredients.
• Italian Seasoning (Optional): For a fragrant, savory boost that makes the dough truly special.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor, keeps the dough tender, and gives a golden finish to the crust.
• Canned Whole Tomatoes: For the classic red sauce, their lively acidity and sweetness are unmatched.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build savory depth in both sauces (trust me, don’t skip the fresh garlic in the white sauce!).
• Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: Signature Italian herbs and a touch of heat for balance and kick.
• Sugar & Salt (for sauce): Brings your tomato sauce to life by balancing tanginess.
• Butter & Parmesan (for white sauce): For ultra-creamy, cheesy richness—this is what makes the white sauce simply dreamy.
• Milk & Cream: Key to that velvety white sauce texture—don’t be shy, this is indulgence at its best.
• Extra: Your Favorite Toppings! Mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms, chicken or whatever is calling your name tonight.

How to Make Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces

Step 1: Proofing the Yeast

Let’s start strong: combine sugar, half a cup of warm water, and yeast right in the bowl of your stand mixer (or a separate bowl if you prefer). Give it a gentle stir and leave it be for about 10 minutes—the yeast will bloom, turning frothy and fragrant. This moment lets you know those little yeast spores are lively and ready to make magic!

Step 2: Mixing the Pizza Dough

Mix the flour, salt, and (if you’re feeling fancy) Italian seasoning. Add this to your activated yeast mixture along with three tablespoons of olive oil and the remaining warm water. Using the dough hook attachment, start the mixer on low to blend everything for about a minute. Then crank it up to medium-high and let the dough knead for a solid five minutes—you’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that pulls away from the bowl. This is how you get that chef-level pizza texture at home!

Step 3: Letting the Dough Rise

Coat a large, heatproof bowl with one tablespoon of olive oil, brushing it all over the inside. Place your smooth dough ball inside, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and nestle it somewhere warm (near a preheating oven is perfect). After 30 minutes, the dough should be puffed and lovely, ready to be transformed into the base of your favorite pizza pie.

Step 4: Stretching the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface, hands, rolling pin, and the dough itself. Knead it a few times—stretch, fold, press—to boost its extensibility and structure. Next, use your rolling pin or hands to gently encourage the dough into a 12-inch round, adding flour as needed if it gets sticky. Don’t worry if you get a tear! Just pinch it together or start again; this dough is forgiving and easy to work with.

Step 5: Assembling and Baking Your Pizza

Preheat your oven to a sizzling 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your pizza pan by rubbing on a little olive oil or a dusting of cornmeal for that pizzeria crunch. Gently lay out your stretched dough, patching any holes if needed. Top with your Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces—choose classic tomato, creamy white, or both—then pile on your favorite toppings. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbling. Enjoy the aroma and anticipation!

Step 6: Making Classic Homemade Pizza Sauce

In a bowl, crush the canned tomatoes into a chunky texture. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the onions, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook briefly before stirring in your prepared tomatoes, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, for a balanced, intensely flavorful pizza sauce that sings with every topping. Longer simmering equals bolder flavor!

Step 7: Making Creamy White Pizza Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute to banish any raw flour taste. Gradually stream in milk and cream, whisking constantly—it’ll thicken up in just a few minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and cheesy. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk sorts it right out.

How to Serve Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces

Garnishes

For a hit of color and fresh flavor, shower your piping-hot pizza with torn basil, fresh arugula, or a delicate sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano just before serving. A drizzle of peppery extra virgin olive oil or chili oil brings the Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces to life, especially if you love a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

Round out your pizza feast with crisp Caesar salad, a juicy tomato and mozzarella Caprese, or garlic breadsticks perfect for dipping into extra sauces. Tangy marinated olives or a plate of roasted vegetables add Mediterranean charm and keep the table lively for everyone. When the pizza is this good, the sides deserve to be equally special!

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up by serving your pizzas on wooden boards or slate for a rustic vibe. Cut small pizzas into bites or squares for an appetizer platter paired with bowls of both sauces for dipping. Or invite everyone to top their own mini pizza rounds—this DIY approach transforms any gathering into a festive, hands-on adventure celebrating the Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices or extra sauce should be cooled completely and stored in airtight containers. Pizza will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, while pizza sauces (both red and white) last up to a week. Keeping sauces separate until use preserves the very best flavor and texture—so you can enjoy gourmet pizza even on busy nights!

Freezing

Both the dough and sauces freeze marvelously for future pizza nights. Wrap dough well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag—it will keep for up to 3 months. Pizza sauces can be portioned into freezer-friendly containers or even ice cube trays for perfectly sized batches. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when pizza cravings call.

Reheating

To bring leftover pizza back to just-baked perfection, place slices on a rimmed baking sheet and reheat at 375 degrees until the cheese is melty and the crust crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Sauces can be reheated gently in a saucepan, stirring in a splash of milk or water to restore their velvety texture if needed.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour gives the Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces a chewier, more elastic crust thanks to its higher protein content. If you prefer a softer, lighter base, stick with all-purpose—either will yield delicious results.

Is it necessary to add Italian seasoning to the dough?

Italian seasoning is totally optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of herby flavor in your pizza crust. If you don’t have it, toss in a pinch of dried oregano or basil, or simply let the toppings and sauces be the stars.

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough entirely by hand. It takes a little more elbow grease—about 8-10 minutes of kneading—but the end result is every bit as wonderful. It’s a fantastic way to feel truly connected to your Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces.

How do I prevent my pizza from sticking to the pan?

Either oil your pan generously or sprinkle it evenly with cornmeal. This creates a barrier, making it simple to remove the pizza after baking while giving the crust an extra bit of crunch and flavor.

Are the sauces suitable for other dishes besides pizza?

Definitely! The tomato sauce is perfect for calzones, baked pasta, or as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks. The creamy white pizza sauce is a dream tossed with pasta or served as a dip with breadsticks and roasted vegetables—so get creative and use every last drop.

Final Thoughts

When you bring the Best Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauces into your kitchen, you’re not just making pizza—you’re starting a delicious new tradition. Every step is an invitation to play, taste, and gather with those you love. Pizza night will never be the same. Go ahead, give it a try, and let your pizza creativity soar!

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