Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser for Any Season
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about homemade pizza. I remember the weekends at my grandmother’s house—her kitchen would be filled with the aroma of bubbling tomato sauce, melted cheese, and the crispy edges of golden crust. But when it came time to feed a big family or surprise guests, she had a clever solution: her legendary sheet pan pizza. This sheet pan pizza recipe is my ode to those joyous kitchen gatherings—easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and perfect for feeding a hungry group of five.
Whether it’s summer or winter, weeknight dinners or weekend fun, this recipe fits every occasion. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into one of the most satisfying and versatile dishes you’ll ever make.
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe
- Family-sized: Easily serves 5 hungry eaters.
- Quick and easy: Simple prep, minimal fuss.
- Customizable: Use your favorite toppings—make it your own!
- All-season favorite: Light enough for summer, hearty enough for winter.
- Crispy edges & chewy center: The perfect texture combo thanks to sheet pan baking.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)
Sauce:
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Flour: Use bread flour for a chewier crust, or gluten-free blend for dietary needs.
- Mozzarella: Swap with provolone, fontina, or dairy-free cheese.
- Pepperoni: Try turkey pepperoni, cooked sausage, or mushrooms.
- Crushed tomatoes: Tomato puree or even jarred marinara in a pinch.
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (roughly 13×18 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or stand mixer with dough hook
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Rolling pin (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough (Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes)
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a mixer).
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight.
Step 2: Make the Sauce (10 Minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and oregano. Simmer for 8–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza (15 Minutes)
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Lightly grease your sheet pan with olive oil.
- Roll or stretch the dough to fit the pan. Press it to the edges.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough.
- Add cheese, followed by your favorite toppings.
Step 4: Bake (15–18 Minutes)
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh herbs.
Variations to Try
Veggie Supreme
- Swap meat for mushrooms, olives, spinach, and zucchini.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce, add cooked chicken, red onion, and cheddar.
White Pizza
- Use a mix of ricotta and mozzarella, add garlic, spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough mix and double-check toppings.
- Vegan: Opt for vegan cheese and plant-based toppings like grilled zucchini, olives, or marinated tofu.
Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Pizza
- Dough edges crispy? Preheat the sheet pan before placing the dough.
- Cheese too greasy? Use part-skim mozzarella and go light on oily toppings.
- Crowd feeding tip: Cut into squares for party-style serving.
- No rolling pin? Just stretch the dough with your hands and press it in.
Read more : https://chefnip.com/3-reasons-why-crown-fried-chicken-near-me-is-the-goat/
For the Kids & Picky Eaters
Turn pizza night into a build-your-own event! Lay out toppings in bowls and let everyone design their corner. It’s fun, interactive, and a great way to satisfy different tastes—especially for little ones.
Troubleshooting
- Dough won’t rise: Check yeast freshness and water temperature.
- Soggy crust: Bake longer, and reduce moisture-heavy toppings like fresh tomatoes.
- Toppings overcooked: Add delicate veggies (like spinach) midway through baking.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Dough: Store in the fridge up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Sauce: Keeps well in fridge up to a week, or freeze for 3 months.
- Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for best texture (avoid microwave for crisp crust).
What to Serve With Sheet Pan Pizza
- Side salad: Arugula, Caesar, or Italian-style salad.
- Dipping sauces: Garlic aioli, ranch, or extra marinara.
- Beverages: Sparkling water with lemon, craft beer, or a chilled white wine.
Final Thoughts
This sheet pan pizza recipe is a cozy, customizable classic you’ll come back to again and again. Whether it’s a summer gathering with a crisp salad or a winter movie night, this pizza hits all the right notes—crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.
