Description
This quick and easy Sheet Pan Pizza recipe delivers a delicious homemade pizza with a crispy crust, fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, it uses simple ingredients and bakes quickly in the oven on a sheet pan for an effortless meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- ½ pound pizza dough
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Toppings
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 4-5 cherry tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Allow the pizza dough to sit covered at room temperature for 20 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out. Once rested, roll the dough out to approximately 9 x 13 inches, fitting the size of a quarter sheet pan.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and position the oven rack in the upper third portion, ideal for crisping the crust and melting the cheese evenly.
- Assemble Pizza on Sheet Pan: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil onto the sheet pan and spread it evenly. Gently press the rolled-out dough into the oiled pan to cover the surface. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the dough to enhance flavor and browning. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then layer with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with additional fresh basil for a bright herbal finish. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes to add a little heat. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure the dough is well rested before rolling for easier handling.
- Use a quarter sheet pan for the correct pizza size; adjust dough accordingly if using different pans.
- Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor but can be substituted with other fresh vegetables.
- Olive oil on the pan and dough ensures a crispier crust and prevents sticking.
- Keep an eye on the pizza while baking as oven temperatures can vary, which impacts cooking times.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
