Easy Homemade Pizza with Store-Bought Dough: A Weeknight Winner
Discover how to make a delicious homemade pizza using store-bought dough. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights!
If you’ve ever craved homemade pizza but didn’t want to mess with making dough from scratch, this one’s for you. Using store-bought pizza dough is a total game-changer. You still get the flavor, the cheesy goodness, and the fun of building your own pie—without the extra work.
Whether you're feeding hungry kids, impressing friends on a Friday night, or just treating yourself, this easy homemade pizza is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Why Use Store-Bought Dough?
Let’s be honest. We don’t always have time to mix, knead, and wait for dough to rise. Store-bought pizza dough is your shortcut to a delicious, homemade pizza without sacrificing flavor. You can usually find it in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store—Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and even most chain supermarkets carry it.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and super versatile.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to get started:
1 ball of store-bought pizza dough
Olive oil (for brushing the crust)
Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
Dried oregano, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper (optional but highly recommended.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Pizza with Store-Bought Dough
1. Let the Dough Rest
Take the dough out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps it become more pliable and easier to stretch.
2. Preheat Your Oven
Crank your oven up to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while it preheats for a crispier crust.
3. Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and hands. Gently stretch or roll the dough into your desired shape—round, rectangle, heart-shaped (why not?). Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
4. Prep Your Crust
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or parchment paper. Lightly brush the edges with olive oil. This gives the crust that golden-brown, crispy finish.
5. Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, sprinkle on mozzarella, and pile on your favorite toppings. Be careful not to overload—it’s tempting, but too much can make the crust soggy.
6. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on it; every oven is a little different.
7. Slice and Serve
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice it up and dig in. Bonus points for a drizzle of hot honey or fresh basil on top!
Pro Tips for Pizza Night
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Want a crispier crust? Pre-bake the dough for 3–5 minutes before adding toppings.
Make it a family event. Let everyone build their own mini pizzas—fun and mess included!
Final Thoughts
Homemade pizza doesn’t have to be complicated. With store-bought dough, you get all the joy of a from-scratch meal without the time commitment. Whether it's a last-minute dinner or your new Friday night tradition, this easy method delivers every time.
Try it this week—and don’t forget to tag us in your pizza creations! 🍕 #HomemadePizzaNight