Here’s what you need to know to make a pizza that tastes better than your favorite restaurant—all in the comfort of your own home!
Last week, I got my fourth text in two weeks asking the same question: “We just got a pizza oven—help! Where do we start?” It seems like everyone in our friend circle has caught the outdoor pizza oven bug, investing in either an Ooni or a Roccbox (which is what we use and absolutely love).
After years of perfecting our pizza game and countless weekend pizza parties, Alex and I realized we have built up lots of tips to share. That’s actually what inspired our new Instagram series on pizza making. Because honestly, once you master the basics, there’s nothing quite like pulling a perfectly charred, bubbling pizza from a hot oven in your own backyard.
But these pizza tips work even if you don’t have a pizza oven! You can make next-level pizza right in your standard oven.
Why Friday pizza night became our thing
When you make a pizza from scratch, you’re not just feeding people—you’re creating an experience (right?!). There’s the anticipation as the dough rises, the creativity of choosing toppings, and that incredible moment when you pull a bubbling, charred pizza from the oven.
It’s become our weekly reset button, a tasty way to transition from the week’s chaos to weekend relaxation.
The foundation: getting your dough right
The secret to learning how to make a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria starts with great pizza dough. I’ve tested countless recipes over the years, and Alex and I have a few go-to options depending on my mood and timeline:
For beginners, I recommend starting with our classic pizza dough recipe—it’s foolproof. If you’re feeling ambitious, try our Italian pizza dough recipe for that authentic, chewy texture. For those nights when you want something lighter, our easy thin crust pizza dough is absolutely perfect.
Got a stand mixer? Our pizza dough stand mixer method will save you time and effort.
If you’re lucky enough to own a pizza oven, don’t miss this Ooni pizza dough recipe: it’s specifically designed for high-heat cooking.
Want an even easier pizza dough? Try this sheet pan pizza, which makes 3 medium pizzas at once on a sheet pan, or my favorite deep dish pan pizza made in a cast iron skillet.
The art of topping your pizza
Here’s where the fun really begins. When you make a pizza at home, you get to be the artist. Start with classics like our Margherita pizza or pizza marinara—both prove that simple ingredients can create something incredible.
Our very favorite topping is this quick pizza sauce recipe: you can make it in 5 minutes, no cooking required, and the flavor is out of this world good! (It’s the recipe I’ve made the most on this entire website.)
For something more adventurous, try mushroom pizza with fresh herbs or the spicy vegetarian diavola pizza. Cheese lovers will obsessed over this quattro formaggi pizza and goat cheese pizza.
Need more inspiration? Our comprehensive guide to pizza toppings and our complete pizza recipes collection should spark your creativity.
Beyond traditional: mix things up
Sometimes you want to make a pizza but crave something different. That’s when I turn to our Mexican pizza recipe or even pita pizza for a quick weeknight version. This olive pizza is perfect for Mediterranean flavor lovers, while shrimp pizza feels elegantly indulgent.
Making it a complete experience
When you make a pizza, don’t forget the sides! Check out my guide to sides to go with pizza for the perfect accompaniments. And if you’re hosting friends, our how to throw a pizza party podcast has all the tips you need.
Essential pizza gear
If you’re making pizza at home, there are a few pieces of gear you’ll need. For a standard oven, you’ll need a pizza stone to get that perfect crisp tender crust. A pizza peel makes it easy to slide the pizza out of the oven.
Tipo 00 flour is key to next-level pizza dough with the perfect texture. And if you’re in the market for a pizza oven, here are our favorites!
Start this Friday!
Ready to make a pizza that’ll become your new Friday night tradition? Choose your dough, gather your toppings, and remember—perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is. Some of my favorite pizza memories involve slightly burnt crusts and topping disasters that somehow tasted incredible because Alex and I made them together.
Whether you’re craving a Neapolitan pizza or want to try my best healthy pizza, the most important ingredient is the love you put into it. Trust me, once you start making pizza at home, you’ll never want to go back to delivery!
