How do you make the bottom of a pan pizza crispy?

Use a hot oven (at least 450°F) and don’t overload with toppings. Using oil on the pan helps fry the bottom slightly, making it crispy. Let the dough pre-bake for a couple minutes before adding sauce if you want extra crunch.

What size sheet pan should I use?

Use a standard quarter sheet pan (roughly 9x13 inches). For a larger family-size pizza, double the recipe and use a half sheet pan (roughly 13x18 inches). It’s the perfect size for a family-size pizza and ensures even baking across the surface.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizza a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking so the dough bakes evenly. For the crispiest crust, bake just before serving.

Will pizza dough stick to a cookie sheet? How to keep pizza dough from sticking to a sheet pan?

Yes, it can if the surface isn’t greased. To prevent sticking, brush the sheet pan generously with olive oil and sprinkle it with cornmeal or flour. This combination prevents sticking and gives a slightly crunchy bottom. You can also use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

What can I use if I don't have a pizza stone?

A rimmed baking sheet is a fantastic substitute for a pizza stone. You can even preheat the sheet pan in the oven to mimic the hot surface of a pizza stone, which helps the crust crisp up nicely.

Easy Sheet Pan Pizza with Crispy Crust

Name: Easy Sheet Pan Pizza with Crispy Crust
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound pizza dough; 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional); 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded; 4-5 fresh basil leaves (optional); pizza toppings: pepperoni, ham, bacon, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, tomatoes, red onions, etc.

Description

If you're looking for a no-fuss way to enjoy pizzeria-quality pizza at home, this Easy Sheet Pan Pizza with Crispy Crust is your answer. Made with simple ingredients and baked in a standard baking sheet, it yields a crisp, golden crust and a cheesy, bubbly top. It’s the perfect way to feed a crowd or satisfy a serious pizza craving.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 pound pizza dough
2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
4-5 fresh basil leaves (optional)
pizza toppings: pepperoni, ham, bacon, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, tomatoes, red onions, etc.

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 450F or the highest temperature setting.
Transfer the pizza dough onto a floured surface. Use a rolling pin (or your hands) to gently roll out the pizza dough into an approximately 9x13-inch rectangle. Sprinkle some flour onto the rolling pin if needed to prevent stickiness. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the cornmeal into a 9X13-inch rimmed sheet pan and carefully place the dough on top. Gently press and spread it to cover the sheet pan.
Add the pizza sauce and spread evenly over the dough. Place the mozzarella cheese slices and basil leaves evenly on top.
Add your favorite toppings in an even layer (such as pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, tomatoes, and/or red onions).
Transfer the sheet pan to the top rack in the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown and the melted cheese is bubbling, about 12-15 minutes.
Optionally, turn on broiler on HI and cook for another 1-2 minutes to make the crust blistered and slightly charred. Keep your eye closely on the broiler, because the intense heat can make pizza crust burn quite quickly.

Notes

How to store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep slices separated with parchment paper.

How to reheat: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes until crisp and hot. Avoid microwaving, which softens the crust.

How to freeze: Freeze baked and cooled slices wrapped in foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Pizza
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American