There's something extra satisfying about making pizza from scratch — kneading the dough, spreading the sauce, and choosing our own toppings. It's fun, budget-friendly, and gives us full control over the ingredients.

Plus, nothing beats the smell of freshly baked pizza filling our kitchen.

But to make pizza that's truly delicious, it all starts with two things: the dough and the sauce. Let's walk through how we can master both at home, step by step.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pizza Dough

Great pizza begins with great dough. We want it to be light, chewy, and slightly crispy at the bottom. Here's a simple dough recipe (makes 2 medium pizzas):

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ¾ cup warm water (not hot!)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

Steps:

1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or use your hands until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and stretchy.

4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and it's ready to shape into a pizza base!

Tips for Perfect Dough Texture

• Don't rush the rise — a slow rise means better flavor.

• If you have time, refrigerate the dough overnight to improve texture.

• For a crispy crust, preheat the oven with the baking tray or pizza stone inside.

How to Make Flavorful Pizza Sauce

Now let's talk sauce. A good pizza sauce should be simple, rich, and well-balanced. Here's our go-to homemade version:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes or 3–4 ripe fresh tomatoes, blended

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• A pinch of sugar (to cut the acidity)

• Fresh basil (optional)

Steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, oregano, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Stir in fresh basil at the end for extra aroma (optional).

You can also make this sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for later use.

Putting It All Together

Once the dough and sauce are ready, it's time to build our pizza:

1. Preheat the oven to the highest setting (usually 230–250°C).

2. Roll out the dough on parchment paper or a lightly floured surface.

3. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.

4. Add your favorite toppings — mozzarella, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or whatever you love.

5. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Let's Make Pizza Night Special

Making pizza from scratch is not just about food — it's about experience. From mixing the dough to choosing our own toppings, it turns an ordinary evening into something creative and delicious.

So Lykkers, what are your favorite pizza toppings? Have you ever tried making your own dough or sauce before? Let's roll up our sleeves, get messy, and bring the joy of real pizza into our homes — one bite at a time!