If there’s one dish that unites people across all seasons and tastes, it’s a good, old-fashioned pizza recipe. I still remember the weekends at Grandma Rose’s house—her kitchen smelling like yeast and tomato sauce, her laughter filling the room as we each got to roll out our own pizza dough. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a tradition, one that brought warmth in the winter and celebration in the summer.
This American-style pizza recipe I’m sharing today is a modern twist on that family tradition. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a summer pool party or cozying up during winter movie nights, this pizza will hit the spot.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Recipe
- Versatile for All Seasons: The dough and toppings can be customized to match seasonal ingredients—fresh basil and tomatoes in summer, hearty mushrooms and sausage in winter.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Most ingredients are probably in your kitchen already.
- Perfect for Groups: This recipe makes 7 generous servings—ideal for family dinners, kids’ parties, or casual gatherings.
- Quick-Rise Dough: Thanks to quick-rise yeast, you don’t need to spend hours proofing the dough.
Ingredients for Pizza Dough
This dough yields a crispy, golden crust with just the right chew:
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup powdered milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet quick rise yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Pizza Toppings (Seasonal Suggestions)
Summer Toppings:
- Fresh mozzarella
- Cherry tomatoes
- Basil leaves
- Garlic-infused olive oil
Winter Toppings:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Pepperoni or cooked sausage
- Caramelized onions
- Shredded mozzarella and parmesan
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon to blend.
Slowly add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough begins to form.
Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20–30 minutes in a warm area. (This is where that quick-rise yeast does the magic!)
2. Preheat and Shape
While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now.
After resting, punch the dough down and roll it out into a 12-inch circle (or two smaller rounds, if you prefer individual pizzas).
Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a floured pizza peel
3. Add Your Sauce and Toppings
For the base, you can use classic marinara, garlic olive oil, or even a white béchamel—whatever suits your seasonal mood.
Top with your preferred ingredients. Don’t overload—balance is key.
4. Bake
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and keeps the toppings intact.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Dough: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for 1 month.
- Leftover Pizza: Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for best results.