Oh, pizza! That magical, round disc of pure happiness is guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or like to get a little wild with pineapple and ham, there’s no denying the sheer deliciousness of the pizza. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a lazy night with friends or a quick bite on the go. Coupled with a drink, a movie, and snacks, it creates a fun family night. When it comes to making your own, it’s better to go for homemade pizza ideas that don’t require many ingredients or kitchen tools. Here are a few homemade pizza ideas to make pizza efficiently and economically.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Preheat oven to 500° F — line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together chicken and 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.
Top the pizza base with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, then half the chicken mixture, spreading in an even layer and leaving 1″ around the edge bare. Next, add an even layer of mozzarella and red onion, then top with gouda.
Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes. Bake until the cheese is melty and the dough is cooked for 20 to 25 minutes. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Preheat oven to 500° F. Brush two large baking sheets with vegetable oil and sprinkle each with a layer of cornmeal.
Place butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted, 20 to 30 seconds. Whisk in hot sauce and garlic powder until combined. Pour half of the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
Transfer the prepared dough to prepared baking sheets.
Add half of the remaining buffalo sauce to each pizza and spread all over the dough (leaving the outer 1″ bare). Divide sauced chicken, torn mozzarella, blue cheese, and red onion evenly between the pizzas.
Bake until crust is golden and cheese is melty, 15 to 17 minutes. Garnish with green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce, and serve immediately.
Pepperoni Pizza
This article about homemade pizza ideas can’t be complete without a good, old Pepperoni pizza. Everyone loves it! Here’s a straightforward recipe to make this phenomenal flavour. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Transfer the pizza dough to a lightly greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge of the crust.
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, and place the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Next, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top of the pizza, then drizzle the olive oil over the top of the pizza.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Margherita Pizza
This one is a popular choice among vegetarians, loaded with rich flavours.
Slice fresh mozzarella cheese into ¼-inch thick pieces. Spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce over the dough, using about ¼ to ⅓ cups. Add the mozzarella cheese. Top with a thin layer of fresh grated Parmesan cheese and a few pinches of kosher salt.
Bake the pizza until the cheese and crust are nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes in the oven.
Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two before adding the basil on top (whole leaves, lightly torn or thinly sliced). Slice into pieces and serve immediately.
Shrimp Pizza
Here’s one for seafood lovers. This recipe is garlicky, creamy and full of flavour! If frozen, thaw the shrimp in advance, and pat them dry. Mix the shrimp with minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl. In a medium skillet, heat butter on medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through, turning them with tongs. When done, transfer the shrimp to a bowl.
In a small bowl, mix the ricotta with the ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
Spread the seasoned ricotta onto the dough, then ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese. Add the shrimp, reserving the butter at the bottom of the bowl. Top with the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Add a sprinkle of the reserved butter (use about half).
Bake the pizza until the cheese and crust are nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes in the oven.
Top with the chopped parsley. Slice into pieces and serve immediately.
Some Tips For Following Pizza Recipes
Making the Dough
This is probably the most challenging part and why most homemade pizza ideas might flop. You can’t just seem to get the dough right. Making great pizza dough is an art, and here’s the magical dough recipe to create that perfect heavenly pizza.
Ensure your water’s temperature isn’t too cold or too hot. Also, give it enough time to rise—this is key for developing flavour and texture.
Making pizza dough is easier to make than you think. You just need flour, water, yeast, olive oil, salt, and a bit of time and patience! Check out the recipe below for specific steps.
- Combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Add warm water and olive oil to the bowl and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl with a damp towel. Allow it to rest and rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.
Homemade Pizza Ideas & Pizza Recipes
Pizza Base
These homemade pizza ideas require a sublime pizza base as well.
Dust the space a little using dry flour and take a large amount of the pizza dough. Using a rolling pin, roll this dough into a nice circular base. Once the base is made, use a fork and prick it so it doesn’t rise and gets baked nicely.
Place the pizza base onto a greased or lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Your pizza base is ready! Try out your favourite toppings suited to your taste, and you’re just one step away from enjoying the pizza of your dreams!
To Conclude
Making pizza at home can be a fun and creative activity that allows you to experiment with different flavours and toppings. These homemade pizza ideas are total crowd-pleasers, guaranteed.
With the convenience of pre-made crusts and store-bought ingredients, you can whip up a delicious pizza in no time. So, whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or simply craving a homemade slice, follow these homemade pizza ideas and let your inner pizza chef shine! Bon Appetit!
