There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh pizza baking in your oven — crispy crust, bubbling sauce, and the joy of crafting it all yourself. Whether you’re hosting a weekend pizza night or simply craving a homemade slice, this Homemade Pizza Dough & Sauce Combo is your go-to guide for creating the ultimate pizzeria-style pizza at home.
In this post, we’ll walk you through an easy pizza dough recipe that yields a chewy, golden crust, and a bold, savory tomato sauce that simmers with Italian herbs. Once you try this combo, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
4 tbsp olive oil
Instructions: Make the Perfect Dough
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This signals the yeast is active and ready to go.
2. Mix the Dough
Add the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together. It may look a bit shaggy at first — that’s okay!
3. Knead for Strength
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when touched.
4. Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape and Prep
After the dough rises, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Roll it out into your desired shape and thickness, then place it on a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
Now it’s ready for sauce, toppings, and baking!
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Sauce
1 can whole tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tsp dried onion
1¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp parsley
3 garlic cloves (yes, more — bold is better)
2 tsp basil
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp oregano
Instructions: Bold & Flavorful Sauce
1. Blend the Tomatoes
In a food processor or blender, pulse the canned tomatoes until smooth. You want a slightly thick but pourable consistency.
2. Sauté Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat a small splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Pour the blended tomatoes into the saucepan and stir in the dried onion, red pepper flakes, parsley, basil, oregano, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly.
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps deepen the flavor and thicken the sauce just enough to cling beautifully to your pizza dough.
Let it cool slightly before using.
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Pro Tips for Pizza Night Success
Flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking when kneading.
Don’t overload with toppings. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
Preheat your oven and baking surface. A pizza stone or steel gives a crispier bottom.
Add sauce sparingly. Too much sauce can overwhelm the crust and make it soggy.
Bake on the bottom rack for a golden base.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Pizza Dough:
Wrap extra dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Pizza Sauce:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze in small batches for easy use later.
Flavor Variations to Try
Garlic Herb Crust: Add garlic powder and dried rosemary to the dough for a fragrant twist.
Spicy Sauce: Amp up the crushed red pepper for extra heat.
Stuffed Crust: Roll mozzarella sticks into the edge of the dough before baking.
Whole Wheat: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
Make It a Full Pizza Night Experience
Pair your homemade pizza with:
A Caesar salad or caprese skewers
A cold Italian soda or glass of red wine
A side of garlic knots or parmesan breadsticks
Get the family involved and let everyone top their own mini pizzas for a fun, interactive dinner night!
Troubleshooting Common Pizza Dough Problems
Why Didn’t My Dough Rise?
If your dough didn’t rise, the most common reasons include:
Inactive yeast: Always check the expiration date and make sure your water isn’t too hot (above 110°F can kill yeast).
Cold environment: Dough needs warmth to rise. Try placing it near a warm oven or inside a turned-off microwave with a bowl of hot water.
My Dough is Too Sticky. What Can I Do?
Sticky dough is often caused by:
Too much moisture or not enough flour.
Humid kitchen conditions.
Fix: Add flour one tablespoon at a time while kneading until the dough becomes manageable but still soft. Don’t overdo it or the crust will turn out tough.
My Crust is Too Hard or Too Soft
A crust that’s too hard might mean overbaking or baking at too high a temperature. A crust that’s too soft could be from:
Too much sauce or toppings.
Not preheating your oven or baking surface.
Using a dough that’s too thick.
Pro Tip: Use a pizza stone or steel preheated in the oven for the best crust texture.
Making Pizza Dough in Advance
Fridge Method (Up to 72 Hours)
After kneading, place the dough in a covered container in the fridge.
The cold fermentation process enhances flavor and improves texture.
Let the dough rest at room temp for 30–45 minutes before shaping and baking.
Freezer Method (Up to 3 Months)
Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
To use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before rolling out.
Time-Saving Tips
Double the recipe and store individual dough balls in the freezer.
Pre-make and freeze dough rounds partially baked for ultra-fast weeknight dinners.
Pizza Sauce Variations to Try
Your base pizza sauce is already flavorful, but here are some fun spins:
Creamy Garlic White Sauce
Perfect for chicken or veggie pizzas.
Base: Butter, garlic, flour, milk, and parmesan.
Add Italian herbs for a savory finish.
Spicy Arrabbiata-Style Sauce
Kick it up with extra red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño.
Great for sausage or meat-lovers’ pizzas.
Basil Pesto
A fresh, green alternative using:
Basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil.
Pesto works best with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
BBQ Pizza Sauce
Swap tomato for a smoky BBQ sauce — ideal for pulled pork or grilled chicken toppings.
Creative Topping Combinations
Beyond the classic pepperoni or cheese, explore these combos:
| Style | Toppings |
|---|---|
| Margherita | Fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato slices, olive oil drizzle |
| Hawaiian Twist | Ham, pineapple, jalapeños, red onion |
| Veggie Supreme | Bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, spinach, red onion |
| Meat Lovers | Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ground beef |
| Breakfast Pizza | Scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar, scallions (bake on par-baked crust) |
| Buffalo Chicken | Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, ranch drizzle |
Cheese Matters
Use a blend of low-moisture mozzarella and provolone for stretch and flavor.
Add parmesan or romano for a salty bite after baking.
Homemade Pizza Party Ideas
Turn your pizza-making into an experience with friends or family:
DIY Pizza Bar
Set out bowls of pre-chopped toppings.
Let guests roll out their own dough and build their pizzas.
Offer mini crusts for personal pizzas.
Themed Pizza Nights
Italian Night: Classic toppings with antipasto platters and red wine.
Spicy Night: Jalapeños, spicy sausage, hot honey drizzle.
Veggie Garden: All seasonal vegetables with pesto or garlic white sauce.
Get the Kids Involved
Let little ones add their own sauce and toppings — it’s a fun and hands-on dinner activity that encourages creativity.
Conclusion
Mastering this Homemade Pizza Dough & Sauce Combo opens the door to endless pizza night possibilities. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a crust that’s crisp on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with flavor. Top it with your favorite ingredients, bake to golden perfection, and enjoy a homemade meal that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
Remember, the key to great pizza is good dough, bold sauce, and a hot oven. So whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a solo slice, this combo delivers every time.