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Crispy Ultimate Thin Crust Pizza Recipe Easy Homemade Gooey Mozzarella

crispy ultimate thin crust pizza - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for a crispy thin crust pizza topped with gooey, stretchy fresh mozzarella. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for dough)
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into chunks
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C) and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in crushed tomatoes and oregano; simmer gently for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.
  6. Preheat oven and pizza stone or baking sheet to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll or stretch into a thin 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
  8. Assemble the pizza: Transfer dough to a pizza peel or parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly, leaving a small border. Distribute mozzarella evenly on top and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
  9. Bake: Slide pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  10. Finish and serve: Remove pizza, sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Notes

Preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet for at least 30 minutes to achieve a crispy crust. Avoid piling mozzarella too thickly to prevent sogginess. Check pizza around 8 minutes to avoid burning. For extra crispiness, broil for 30 seconds at the end but watch closely. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella shreds.

Nutrition

Keywords: thin crust pizza, crispy pizza, homemade pizza, mozzarella pizza, easy pizza recipe, quick pizza, pizza dough, gooey cheese pizza