There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, homemade pizza, and this recipe for Homemade Pizza Dough and Fresh Tomato Sauce delivers the ultimate base for your culinary creativity. The dough is soft, chewy, and rises beautifully thanks to a combination of yeast, powdered milk, baking powder, and just the right balance of oil and sugar. It’s versatile enough for thin or thick crust, personal-sized pizzas, or large family pies. The sauce, made from real tomatoes, onion, garlic, and herbs, adds a rich, tangy, and aromatic layer that brings your pizza to life. Whether you’re baking for a weekend dinner or prepping homemade frozen dough, this recipe is a pizza lover’s dream come true.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time for dough)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Dough for 3 large pizzas, Sauce for 3 pizzas
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
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4 tablespoons sugar
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½ cup vegetable oil (or olive oil)
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2 tablespoons active dry yeast
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6 cups all-purpose flour
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3 tablespoons powdered milk
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
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2 tablespoons oil (olive oil recommended)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 garlic clove, minced
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5 ripe tomatoes, diced
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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2 tablespoons ketchup (adds sweetness and richness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough
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Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready. -
Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined. -
Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix flour, powdered milk, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, one cup at a time, stirring continuously. -
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. -
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Pizza Sauce
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Sauté Aromatics
In a saucepan over medium heat, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. -
Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir in ketchup and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. -
Blend if Desired
For a smooth sauce, blend with an immersion blender or allow to cool slightly and blend in a countertop blender. You can leave it chunky for a rustic texture.
Assemble the Pizza
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Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and place a pizza stone or baking tray inside to heat. -
Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2 or 3 portions depending on pizza size. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your preferred thickness. -
Add Toppings
Spread a layer of your homemade sauce over the dough. Add shredded cheese, vegetables, meats, or herbs to your liking. -
Bake
Transfer the pizza onto the hot tray or stone and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. -
Cool and Slice
Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information (per pizza base with sauce)
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Calories: 310 per slice (based on 8 slices)
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Protein: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 5g
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Sodium: 330mg
Origin and Popularity
Pizza as we know it originated in Naples, Italy, but homemade pizza has taken on countless variations across cultures. This dough recipe reflects a modern approach to traditional Italian-style doughs, incorporating powdered milk and baking powder for a softer rise. The fresh tomato sauce offers a more vibrant, homemade flavor compared to store-bought varieties, allowing you to control salt, sweetness, and texture. With pizza being one of the world’s most popular dishes, this recipe makes it possible to enjoy a healthier, made-from-scratch version at home.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
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Versatile Dough: Perfect for thick or thin crust, calzones, and breadsticks.
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Fresh, Homemade Sauce: Bursting with real tomato flavor and herbs.
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Family-Friendly: Fun to make with kids and endlessly customizable.
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No Preservatives: Healthier and fresher than store-bought options.
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Freezer-Friendly: Both dough and sauce can be stored for future meals.
Health Benefits
While pizza has a reputation as indulgent comfort food, this version offers several benefits when made with wholesome ingredients:
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Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health.
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Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats that support cholesterol regulation.
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Garlic and Onion: Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
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Homemade Dough: Free of preservatives and unnecessary additives.
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Customizable Toppings: Add vegetables, lean proteins, or plant-based options to suit your diet.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic Margherita: Just add mozzarella and fresh basil.
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Veggie Supreme: Top with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and onions.
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Meat Lovers: Pepperoni, sausage, and bacon for a heartier version.
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White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use olive oil, garlic, and ricotta.
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Mini Pizzas: Let kids top their own personal-sized pies.
Cooking Tips
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Use Warm Water: Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
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Don’t Skip Rising Time: It helps develop flavor and texture.
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Preheat Your Oven and Baking Surface: Ensures crisp bottom crust.
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Dust the Tray with Cornmeal: Prevents sticking and adds crunch.
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Let the Pizza Rest After Baking: Makes it easier to slice and eat.
Variations
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Whole Wheat Dough: Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour.
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Herbed Dough: Add oregano, garlic powder, or rosemary to the dough.
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Spicy Sauce: Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
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No Tomato Sauce: Try pesto or white garlic sauce instead.
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Stuffed Crust: Tuck cheese into the crust edge for a gooey surprise.
Conclusion
This recipe for Homemade Pizza Dough and Fresh Tomato Sauce brings authentic pizzeria flavor right into your kitchen. With a soft, flavorful crust and a bright, homemade sauce, it provides a canvas for whatever toppings your heart desires. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and incredibly rewarding. Once you’ve mastered this basic dough and sauce, the world of pizza night opens up with endless possibilities—deliciously customizable and always crowd-pleasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
2. How do I know the yeast is active?
It should foam and bubble after sitting in warm water with sugar for 5–10 minutes.
3. Can I use this dough for calzones or breadsticks?
Absolutely! It’s great for stuffed pizza, garlic knots, and more.
4. How do I store leftover sauce?
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Can I use canned tomatoes for the sauce?
Yes. Substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced or crushed tomatoes.
6. What if I don’t have powdered milk?
You can omit it or replace it with a splash of regular milk or dry coconut milk powder.
7. Can I make the dough without sugar?
The sugar feeds the yeast, but you can reduce it or use honey or maple syrup.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Just scale the ingredients accordingly and divide the dough into more portions.
10. What’s the best way to reheat pizza?
Use a skillet or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crisp.