1. Classic Margherita
The Margherita is proof that simple wins. Stretch store-bought or homemade dough into a round, spread a thin layer of crushed San Marzano tomatoes, and scatter torn fresh mozzarella over the top. Bake it hot — 475°F (245°C) — until the crust is blistered and the cheese is just melted, then finish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt. The basil goes on after baking so it stays bright green instead of wilting into the cheese. It's the pizza every other pizza is measured against.
2. Pepperoni With Hot Honey
Pepperoni pizza is already a crowd favorite, and a drizzle of hot honey turns it into something people talk about. Use a good pepperoni that cups and crisps at the edges — those little cups hold pools of flavor — and layer it generously over mozzarella and tomato sauce. Bake until the cheese bubbles and the pepperoni edges curl and darken. Right out of the oven, drizzle hot honey over the top so the sweet heat sinks into the cheese. The salty, spicy, sweet combination is addictive in the best way.
3. BBQ Chicken Pizza
This one tastes like a restaurant pie and uses leftovers beautifully. Toss shredded rotisserie chicken in your favorite barbecue sauce, then spread a thin layer of the same sauce over the dough instead of tomato sauce. Add mozzarella, thin slices of red onion and the sauced chicken, and bake until the cheese is golden at the edges. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a swirl of ranch dressing on top finish it. It's smoky, sweet and tangy, and it turns last night's chicken into tonight's favorite dinner.
4. Garden Veggie Supreme
When the fridge is full of vegetables, this pizza practically makes itself. Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion and zucchini for a few minutes first — this keeps the crust from going soggy — then spread them over tomato sauce and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. A few cherry tomato halves and a handful of baby spinach go on near the end of baking so they stay bright. Finish with a pinch of Italian seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil. It's colorful, fresh and filling enough that nobody misses the meat.
5. White Pizza With Garlic and Ricotta
No tomato sauce needed for this creamy, garlicky favorite. Brush the dough with olive oil infused with minced garlic, then dollop spoonfuls of ricotta across the surface and cover with shredded mozzarella. A little lemon zest scattered over the top before baking adds a brightness that cuts through the richness. Bake until the crust is golden and the ricotta is lightly browned in spots. Tear fresh basil over the finished pie and serve it hot — it's elegant enough for guests and easy enough for a weeknight.
6. Breakfast Pizza
Pizza for breakfast sounds like a joke until you try it, and then it becomes a weekend tradition. Spread a thin layer of olive oil or Alfredo sauce over the dough, add scrambled eggs, crumbled cooked sausage or bacon, and plenty of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden, then top with sliced green onions and a dash of hot sauce. The eggs stay soft, the cheese gets gooey and the crust holds it all together. Serve it with coffee and watch it disappear.
7. Fifteen-Minute Naan Flatbread Pizza
The fastest pizza of all skips the dough entirely. Use store-bought naan as the base — it crisps beautifully in a hot oven — and top it with pesto, sliced mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and a handful of arugula added after baking. Ten minutes in a 425°F (220°C) oven is all it takes, and you can make a different topping combination for every person at the table. It's the perfect answer for busy nights, picky eaters and that moment when everyone is hungry right now.
Seven recipes, one hot oven and zero delivery fees. Start with the Margherita to learn the basics, then make the hot honey pepperoni your signature. Which of these pizzas are you trying first? Tell us in the comments!
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