How to make the perfect sheet pan pizza
Sheet pan pizza is the perfect meal for relaxed family days at home. It’s easy to make, great for sharing, and everyone can enjoy their favorite toppings on one big, crispy, fluffy pizza fresh from the oven.
Sheet pan pizza is the perfect way to make delicious, homemade pizza without any special equipment. Baked in a simple baking tray, the dough becomes wonderfully fluffy inside with a crisp, golden crust on the bottom. It’s easy to prepare, great for sharing, and perfect for topping with your favorite ingredients.
A Little Story Behind This Pizza
Sheet pan pizza always reminds me of relaxed evenings at home, when cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. Instead of shaping individual pizzas, everything comes together in one simple tray, filling the kitchen with the aroma of baking dough, garlic, and melting cheese.
It’s the kind of meal that invites everyone to gather around the table, slice a generous piece, and enjoy a cozy moment together. With sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and plenty of melted cheese, this pizza feels rustic, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
A visual walk-through of the recipe
Take a look at the step-by-step photos below for a visual guide to the process. You’ll find the complete written recipe along with helpful tips in the recipe card further down the page.
Prepare the Dough – Preheat the oven and grease a sheet pan with olive oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal and stretch the pizza dough to fit the pan.
Add the toppings – Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and cherry tomatoes.
Bake the pizza – Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with fresh basil, slice the pizza, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips for Sheet Pan Pizza
Let the dough rest: If the dough is difficult to stretch, let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes it easier to spread across the pan.
Use plenty of olive oil: A light coating of olive oil on the sheet pan helps create a crispy, golden crust and prevents the pizza from sticking.
Preheat the oven well: A hot oven is key to a good pizza. Make sure the oven is fully preheated so the crust bakes evenly and becomes nicely crisp.
Spread the dough evenly: Gently press the dough into the corners of the sheet pan to ensure an even thickness so the pizza bakes consistently.
Don’t overload the toppings: Keep toppings balanced so the crust stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy.
Finish with fresh ingredients: Add fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil after baking for the best flavor and aroma.
Sheet Pan Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 recipe Pizza dough
- 2 tbsp cornmeal
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- handful fresh basil leaves
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220°C / 425°F.
- Lightly grease a sheet pan (about 9×13 inches) with olive oil and sprinkle it with cornmeal. This prevents sticking and helps create a crispy crust.
- Place the pizza dough onto the pan and gently stretch it to fit the tray. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes and stretch again.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with the minced garlic.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough: This makes it easier to stretch the dough evenly across the sheet pan.
- Cornmeal for texture: Sprinkling cornmeal on the pan helps prevent sticking and creates a slightly crispy bottom crust.
- Don’t overload the pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Keep it simple for the best texture.
- Add basil after baking: Fresh basil keeps its bright flavor and color when added right before serving.
- For extra flavor: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pizza after baking.