Grandma's Classic Homemade Pizza

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Grandma's Classic Homemade Pizza.

1. Step 1

   Start by mixing the yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 cup of warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until it bubbles and forms a creamy foam on top. This is the magic of yeast coming to life!

2. Step 2

   Next, stir in 2 cups of warm water, olive oil, 1 tablespoon of salt, garlic powder, and about 2 cups of flour. Mix until you have a loose batter, then gradually add flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is slightly sticky but not wet, which should take about 3 more cups of flour.

3. Step 3

   Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball, place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take around 30 minutes.

4. Step 4

   While the dough is rising, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the oregano and let it fry for a few seconds before whisking in the ricotta cheese until you have a smooth paste. Then, add the tomato puree, onion powder, a pinch of garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir until smooth, bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat.

5. Step 5

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat three 12-inch pizza pans with about 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil each.

6. Step 6

   In a skillet over medium heat, add the sausage and sprinkle with a pinch of dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes, then set aside.

7. Step 7

   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll out each piece to fit your prepared pizza pans, stretching the edges slightly beyond the pan. Fold the excess dough over to create a thicker crust edge and press it together to seal.

8. Step 8

   Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. When they're golden, remove them and brush each with about 1/2 teaspoon of melted butter.

9. Step 9

   Now, it's time to assemble! Spread a generous layer of sauce over each crust, sprinkle with the pizza cheese blend, and evenly distribute the browned sausage and pepperoni slices. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper and a few dashes of hot sauce for that extra kick.

10. Step 10

    Return the pizzas to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to brown, which should take another 15 to 20 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible!