Sheet Pan Pizza is a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers all the classic flavors of a traditional pizza—crispy crust, savory sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings—baked in one pan. It’s perfect for weeknights, game nights, or family gatherings, requiring minimal equipment and offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Everything comes together on a single sheet pan, making both prep and cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable Toppings: Use whatever you have on hand—pepperoni, vegetables, sausage, or just cheese—the choice is yours.
- Perfect for a Crowd: A single sheet pan serves multiple people, making it ideal for families or entertaining guests.
- Crispy Yet Chewy Crust: Baking on a sheet pan gives the crust a crispy bottom with a tender inside.
- Great for Meal Planning: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this recipe perfect for next-day lunches.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, about 1 lb)
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan and brushing the dough)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, fresh basil, red pepper flakes
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a rack in the lower third of the oven for the best crust.
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Prepare the Dough: Lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan (about 13×18 inches) with olive oil. Stretch or press the pizza dough into the pan, working it out to the edges. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes if the dough resists stretching.
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Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your desired toppings.
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Bake the Pizza: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 6 to 8 slices
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time (for dough): 10–15 minutes (optional)
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes
Variations
- White Pizza: Swap red sauce for olive oil and garlic, and use ricotta and mozzarella for a creamy twist.
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and ham for a hearty version.
- Veggie Supreme: Pile on mushrooms, onions, spinach, tomatoes, and olives for a colorful, nutritious take.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy sausage for added heat.
- Margherita Style: Use fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. A skillet over medium heat also works well for reviving a crispy bottom.
FAQs
What kind of dough should I use for sheet pan pizza?
You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Make sure it’s thawed and brought to room temperature for easier stretching.
Do I need to par-bake the crust?
No, this recipe doesn’t require par-baking. The crust cooks evenly as it bakes with the toppings.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza dough. Most grocery stores carry gluten-free options.
What size sheet pan should I use?
A standard half-sheet pan (approximately 13×18 inches) works best for this recipe.
Can I freeze the pizza?
You can freeze baked slices. Cool them completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
How do I prevent the crust from being soggy?
Bake the pizza in the lower third of the oven and avoid overloading it with sauce or toppings.
Can I use parchment paper on the sheet pan?
You can, but using olive oil directly on the pan helps achieve a crispier crust.
What cheese melts best on pizza?
Low-moisture mozzarella is the classic choice for good melt and stretch. You can also mix in provolone or parmesan.
Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time?
You can prep the dough and toppings ahead. Assemble just before baking for the best texture.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Use a metal pan, bake at a high temperature, and coat the pan generously with olive oil to help fry the bottom of the crust slightly.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Pizza is a versatile, easy-to-make meal that delivers on flavor and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe allows you to satisfy everyone’s pizza cravings with minimal effort and maximum reward. With countless topping options and a crispy, golden crust, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Print
Sheet Pan Pizza
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices (1 sheet pan) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Description
This Sheet Pan Pizza is your ultimate homemade pizza hack! Baked on a single pan for maximum crispiness and flavor, it’s easy, customizable, and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Say goodbye to delivery and hello to pizza night done right!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, fres
h basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a sheet pan (about 13×18 inches) with olive oil.
- Stretch or roll the dough to fit the pan. Press it into the corners. Let rest 10 minutes if it springs back.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Add desired toppings.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve!
Notes
- For extra crispy crust, preheat the pan in the oven before adding the dough.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Add fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil after baking for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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