Sheet pan pizza is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the aroma of home. Imagine the scent of crisping cheese, bubbling sauce, and warm dough rising in the oven. I remember making this with my grandchildren on cozy Friday nights. Our aprons were dusted in flour and our hands were sticky with dough. It is a recipe that brings comfort and joy. There is no pressure for perfection, just love and good food.
What makes this pizza so special is its simplicity. You only need one pan, a basic dough, and your favorite toppings. The result is a thick and chewy crust with golden crispy edges that tastes better than takeout. And it is all made with care right in your own kitchen.
Whether you are feeding a crowd or preparing a quiet night in, this sheet pan pizza will quickly become a favorite in your home. Let’s get the oven warm and the table ready for something truly special.
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Sheet Pan Pizza: A Wonderful Comfort Crust You Will Love
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 sheet pan pizza 1x
Description
A comforting sheet pan pizza recipe with a golden, chewy crust and crispy cheese edges. Simple to make and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
1 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 to 1½ pounds store-bought dough, at room temperature
¼ to ½ cup pizza sauce or olive oil
8 ounces freshly shredded cheese (mozzarella or blend)
Cornmeal, for dusting the pan
Toppings & Garnish:
2 cups of your favorite toppings (pre-cooked if needed)
Fresh herbs or red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
1. Let the dough sit at room temperature for one hour to become more pliable. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Grease a sheet pan and sprinkle with cornmeal. Stretch dough into pan, pressing to the edges and corners.
3. Spread sauce evenly over dough. Sprinkle cheese generously, then add toppings.
4. Bake on the lower rack for 10 to 12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
5. Let pizza rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes and slice to serve.
Notes
If dough is difficult to stretch, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Shred your own cheese for best melting and flavor.
Sprinkle cheese to the very edge for a crispy cheese border (frico).
Use cornmeal generously to prevent sticking and boost crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Gourmet Pizza Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: sheet pan pizza, homemade pizza, crispy crust pizza, easy pizza recipe
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe
- Thick and Chewy Crust: This sheet pan pizza creates a crust that is soft inside with perfectly crisp edges that hold every bite together.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Use your favorite seasonal vegetables or leftover roasted chicken. This pizza welcomes your creativity.
- Simple and Fun to Make: No pizza stone or special equipment needed. Just a pan, some dough, and a little kitchen joy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a game night treat, or a weekend cooking project with the kids, this recipe fits the moment.
- That Cheesy Edge: A little trick of sprinkling cheese to the very rim gives you a golden, crunchy border that tastes like a little piece of heaven.
This sheet pan pizza is more than easy. It is comforting, crowd-pleasing, and always worth making.
Ingredients Needed for Sheet Pan Pizza
For the Pizza Base
- 1 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 to 1½ pounds store-bought dough, brought to room temperature
- ¼ to ½ cup pizza sauce or a drizzle of olive oil
- 8 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses
Tip: Shred it yourself from a block for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that affect texture. - Cornmeal for dusting the pan
Note: This prevents sticking and helps create a crisp and flavorful bottom crust.
Toppings and Garnish
- About 2 cups of your favorite toppings
Note: Pre-cook any meats. If using mushrooms or watery vegetables, give them a quick sauté to avoid sogginess. - Fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for serving
This gentle and flexible sheet pan pizza foundation is perfect for making the recipe your own.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pizza
1. Prepare the Dough and Preheat the Oven
If you are using store-bought dough or dough made in advance, let it sit out at room temperature for at least one hour. This will make it more relaxed and easier to stretch. Preheat your oven to 500°F or 260°C so it is piping hot and ready when you are.
2. Shape the Crust
Lightly grease a sheet pan and sprinkle it generously with cornmeal. This creates a nonstick layer and adds a delightful crunch to the bottom. Gently press and stretch the dough to fill the entire pan, right into the corners. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes and try again.
3. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
Spread your pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Leave a small border or take the cheese right to the edges if you like that crispy frico-style crust. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauce, then layer your toppings sparingly to avoid weighing down the dough.
4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the pan on the lower rack of your oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it toward the end.
5. Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the pizza rest in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the crust firm up and the cheese settle. Finish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
This method for sheet pan pizza creates a crust that is crisp on the bottom, tender inside, and loaded with flavor in every bite.
Serving and Storage Tips for Sheet Pan Pizza
Serving Suggestions
This sheet pan pizza makes a satisfying meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with something fresh and light. Try it with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- A peppery arugula salad with shaved parmesan
- A classic Italian chopped salad with olives and garbanzo beans
To round out the table, serve with sparkling water or a glass of red wine and enjoy a comforting, homemade Italian meal.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep well and taste just as delicious the next day.
- Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days
- To reheat and keep the bottom crispy, place slices in a dry skillet over medium heat
- Add a spoonful of water, cover with a lid, and steam gently for two to three minutes until hot and melty
This method keeps your sheet pan pizza crisp on the bottom and gooey on top, just like it came fresh from the oven.
Helpful Notes for the Best Sheet Pan Pizza
Relax the Dough if It’s Stubborn
If your dough keeps shrinking back when you try to stretch it, cover it with a towel and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes shaping much easier.
Take the Cheese to the Edge
For that irresistible crispy cheese border, sprinkle your shredded cheese all the way to the rim of the pan. As it bakes, the cheese melts and browns into a crunchy, golden edge known as frico. It adds flavor and texture that makes this sheet pan pizza truly special.
Do Not Skip the Cornmeal
Cornmeal on the pan is more than just nonstick insurance. It adds a gentle crunch to the bottom crust and keeps the dough from becoming soggy. A little goes a long way, but it makes a noticeable difference.
Make It Your Own
This method works beautifully with all sorts of doughs, including whole wheat or gluten-free. You can also experiment with sauces like pesto, white garlic cream, or even a layer of sautéed greens as a base.
These small touches bring out the very best in your homemade sheet pan pizza and make it feel like a meal crafted with care.
Sheet Pan Pizza FAQs with Comforting Tips
How long do you cook pizza in a sheet pan?
At 500°F (260°C), sheet pan pizza typically bakes in about 10 to 12 minutes. If you bake at a lower temperature like 450°F (232°C), it may take closer to 20 minutes. Look for a golden crust and bubbling cheese.
How do you get a crispy bottom on sheet pan pizza?
A generous layer of cornmeal on the bottom of the pan helps prevent sticking and crisps the crust beautifully. Baking on the lower oven rack also helps develop that lovely golden crunch.
Can I use a regular baking sheet to make pizza?
Yes, this recipe is designed for a standard baking sheet. A quarter sheet pan (about 9 by 13 inches) or jelly roll pan works perfectly. Just make sure it is well-oiled and dusted with cornmeal.
What makes sheet pan pizza unique compared to other styles?
The beauty of sheet pan pizza is in its hearty crust and crispy edges. The dough rises into a soft and chewy base that holds plenty of toppings, while the cheese melts all the way to the edge, forming a rich golden border.
Conclusion
This sheet pan pizza is a cozy reminder that great food does not need to be complicated. With its chewy golden crust, simple preparation, and endless topping possibilities, it is the kind of recipe that brings joy to any kitchen and comfort to any table.
It is a beautiful base to build on, whether you are feeding the family on a weeknight or sharing a warm meal with friends. And if you are craving more pizza inspiration, take a peek at our easy mini pizza recipe for bite-sized fun or try the homemade BBQ chicken pizza for a smoky, saucy twist.
And if you make this sheet pan pizza, we would love to see your creation. Tag us on Pinterest or Facebook and show us what toppings made it to your pan.
Now go feed someone you love and be sure to save a slice for yourself.
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