Taste Italy With These 12 Homemade Pizza Recipes

Looking for a classic, easy and delicious dinner at home? You can’t go wrong with a pizza. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find a homemade pizza recipe to match. Check out these dozen delicious options and get cooking!

1. Pepperoni Pizza

Who doesn’t love a slice of classic pepperoni pizza? This recipe gives you a crispy and chewy crust, which you can top with the pepperoni of your choice. Keep it mild or give your pizza a kick with spicy salami, jalapenos, red chili flakes and hot honey.

2. Extra Cheese Pizza

You can’t go wrong with the basics. There’s nothing better than a plain cheese pizza — especially with extra cheese. Get your fill of ooey, gooey deliciousness with sliced and shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. You can follow the recipe to make your own crust or buy it at the store.

3. Pizza Bianca (White Pizza)

If you’re looking to try something different, how about a pizza with no tomato sauce? White pizza, or pizza bianca, is made of cheese, garlic and olive oil. It’s light and fresh — an Italian classic. If you want to add a little greenery to your white pizza, top it off with some arugula, spinach or extra herbs.

4. Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is another classic Italian style. With San Marzano tomatoes and cubes or slices of fresh mozzarella, you’ll enjoy bold flavors that melt in your mouth. Get a taste of Naples from the comfort of your own kitchen with this Margherita pizza recipe.

5. Hawaiian Pizza

Perhaps the most controversial item on our list, Hawaiian pizza has divided families, friends and food connoisseurs for decades. Pineapple on pizza? And what about ham? If you’re firmly pro-Hawaiian pizza, you’ll love this recipe for a crispy crust topped with juicy pineapple, flavorful ham and salty bacon pieces. Sweet and savory has never been so easy to make on a pizza.

6. BBQ Chicken Pizza

You like pizza and you like barbecue. Why not combine them for the ultimate meal? Get a taste of everything you enjoy about a barbecue meal — grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, red onion for a kick — on a crunchy flatbread. Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce and pile it high with cheese, herbs and other toppings as you see fit.

7. Garlic French Bread Pizza

There are so many kinds of pizzas, you don’t need to limit yourself to a round pan. Making French bread pizzas is a perfect way to enjoy individual pies. You don’t even have to buy dough or bake the crust yourself — use a loaf of French or Italian bread that’s ready immediately. Whether you use fresh minced garlic or garlic powder, these pizzas are perfect for any weeknight.

8. Meat Lovers Pizza

Pepperoni, bacon, sausage — go big or go home with a meat lovers pizza. If you’re feeling carnivorous, you can whip up this meal with anything you have in your fridge’s deli drawer. While this homemade pizza recipe calls for hot Italian sausage, you can use any kind of meat you like — keep it mild or embrace the spice.

9. Veggie Pizza

If meat lovers isn’t your style, why not try the opposite end of the pizza spectrum — a veggie pizza pie? Whether you’re a vegetarian or you’re just looking for some lighter fare, a vegetable pizza is a tasty alternative to meatier toppings. Once you’ve made the sauce with cream cheese and ranch, you can add all the veggies you love — like carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, olives and cauliflower — and none that you don’t.

10. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

If you’re looking for a more traditional pizza topping, this hot buffalo chicken pizza is right up your alley. You can use blue cheese or ranch dressing as the sauce, along with any type of cheese you want. Shredded chicken and blue cheese crumbles top off a crust as thick or thin as you want it. Add any extra toppings you’re craving and dig into this spicy pie.

11. Taco Pizza

If you’re craving tacos and pizza, give yourself both! This recipe is easier than you might think. A thin and soft crust can substitute for tortillas. Instead of tomato sauce, spread refried beans, ground beef and cheese over the pizza. You can get creative with Mexican-inspired toppings for a taco pizza — add your favorite tomatoes, olives, onions, salsa and more. 

12. Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

Maybe you’ve already enjoyed a hearty, savory dinner and you’re craving dessert. Check out this homemade pizza recipe for a chocolate chip dessert pizza to satisfy your sweet tooth. Spread a sweet sauce made of cream cheese, sugar and vanilla on a crispy homemade or store-bought crust. Add chocolate chips and the brown sugar “streusel” on top, along with any other sweet treats you’d like. This dessert pizza pie is sure to be a hit whether you’re spending the night in or hosting a fun game night with your friends.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Pizza Recipe

If you want to take your homemade pizza recipes to the next level, check out these quick tips you can use in the kitchen:

• Make your own dough: While it’s convenient to buy, you’ll notice a world of difference when you put in the time and effort to roll your own pizza dough.
• Explore your options: Flatbread, deep dish, pita, French bread, stuffed crust, extra crispy — the possibilities are endless. Try different types of pizza styles to find what you love.
• Get creative with your sauces: Tomato sauce is classic, but as you’ve seen in the recipes above, it’s not the only choice. Try different types of tomatoes or think totally outside the box with BBQ, ranch, cheese and even sweet sauces that complement your toppings.
• Use what you love: Speaking of toppings, one of the benefits of making pizza at home is that you can use whatever ingredients you love — and nothing you don’t. When you’re baking pizza for yourself, raid your cabinets or fridge and experiment with your favorite flavors. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up with an original family favorite!

Dig Into These Homemade Pizza Recipes

Nothing beats kicking back after a long day with a slice of pizza — especially if you have the satisfaction of making it yourself. With your new favorite pizza recipe you’ll be enjoying your hard work in no time.