Sheet Pan Pizza

The ultimate solution for easy pizza night, this Sheet Pan Pizza brings all the flavor of your favorite pizzeria straight to your kitchen. Made with simple ingredients and fully customizable toppings, it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a satisfying solo meal.

The dough bakes up with a perfectly crisp bottom and a soft interior, while the bubbling cheese and savory toppings deliver the flavor you crave. Whether you’re topping it with classic pepperoni or loading it with veggies, this sheet pan version makes pizza night quicker, easier, and just as delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan with olive oil.

2. Stretch and press the pizza dough into the sheet pan, covering the bottom and reaching the edges. Let rest for 10 minutes.

3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the sauce.

5. Top with pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, and red onion.

6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the top.

7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

9. Slice and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why Sheet Pan Pizza is the Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

There’s something universally comforting about pizza, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, melty cheese, and toppings of your choice, all baked into one irresistible slice. But making pizza at home can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you associate it with finicky doughs, pizza stones, and multiple rising times. That’s where Sheet Pan Pizza comes to the rescue.

Sheet pan pizza is the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness. You don’t need any special equipment, just a rimmed baking sheet and your oven. The dough stretches easily to the corners of the pan, and the crust crisps up beautifully with a soft, airy interior. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile and ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining friends, this method ensures consistent, delicious results every time.

The Origins of Sheet Pan Pizza

While traditional round pizzas trace their roots back to Italy, particularly Naples and Rome, the sheet pan or “grandma-style” pizza is more of an Italian-American creation. It originated in home kitchens in New York and New Jersey where Italian grandmothers would bake pizzas in large rectangular pans for Sunday dinners or family gatherings.

The rustic charm and practicality of this style have made it a staple in many American households. Unlike deep dish or Neapolitan styles, sheet pan pizza focuses on ease, no flipping, tossing, or shaping. Just press the dough into the pan and let the oven do the magic.

Dough Matters

A good sheet pan pizza starts with quality dough. While store-bought dough is perfectly acceptable (and encouraged for busy nights), making your own from scratch can elevate the experience. Look for dough recipes that include olive oil for that extra elasticity and flavor. Letting the dough rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes makes it easier to stretch and helps develop better texture when baked.

The key to that crispy bottom and chewy interior lies in how you handle the dough. Don’t overwork it. Gently press it into a well-oiled pan and let it sit. This gives the dough time to relax and puff up slightly before baking, resulting in a better crust.

Sauce & Cheese Choices

The beauty of a sheet pan pizza lies in its adaptability, and nowhere is that more evident than with the sauce and cheese.

Sauce:
Classic pizza sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and dried herbs like oregano and basil is always a hit. You can also use marinara sauce, tomato paste mixed with spices, or even pesto or white sauces like béchamel for a unique twist. A thin layer is all you need, too much can make the crust soggy.

Cheese:
Mozzarella is the traditional go-to, thanks to its melty, gooey texture. However, you can combine it with provolone, fontina, cheddar, or even ricotta for added flavor and depth. Fresh mozzarella can be used in small chunks for a more artisan look, while low-moisture shredded mozzarella ensures a more consistent melt.

The Toppings: Go Classic or Get Creative

This is where the fun really begins. With a large sheet pan as your canvas, the topping possibilities are virtually endless. You can stick with tried-and-true combos like pepperoni and mushrooms or branch out with seasonal vegetables, gourmet cheeses, or international flavors.

Popular Toppings:

• Pepperoni, sausage, bacon

• Sliced bell peppers, onions, olives

• Mushrooms, spinach, arugula

• Pineapple and ham (yes, the Hawaiian pizza debate lives on!)

• Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, jalapeños

• Cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch drizzle

Pro Tip: Always add delicate greens or fresh herbs like basil after baking to prevent them from wilting or burning.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

To ensure a crisp crust and well-cooked toppings, keep these tips in mind:

• Preheat your oven fully before baking. A hot oven (typically 450°F/230°C) is essential for a crispy bottom.

• Oil your pan generously. This helps the dough release easily after baking and adds flavor.

• Don’t overload the toppings. Less is often more. Overloading can result in soggy centers and uneven baking.

• Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots to ensure even browning.

If you love an extra crispy bottom, consider baking the pizza on the lowest rack in your oven, or even directly on a preheated baking stone if your sheet pan is sturdy enough to transfer.

Make It a Meal: Serving Suggestions

Sheet pan pizza is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a few sides or drinks can make your meal feel more complete.

Sides to Serve With Sheet Pan Pizza:

• A fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette

• Garlic knots or breadsticks

• Roasted vegetables or antipasto platter

• Minestrone or tomato basil soup

Drink Pairings:

• Iced tea or lemonade for non-alcoholic options

• Light beers like lagers or IPAs

• Red wines such as Chianti or Zinfandel

• Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch

Making It Ahead and Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about sheet pan pizza is how well it fits into your meal prep routine. You can stretch and store the dough in the pan covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The flavors actually develop more the longer the dough rests.

Leftovers?
Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust chewy and limp.

Variations for Dietary Needs

Sheet pan pizza is a great option for accommodating various diets. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on grilled veggies, cheese, and herbs.

• Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan dough (check labels). A pesto made with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan can make a delicious sauce base.

• Gluten-Free: Use store-bought gluten-free dough or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.

• Low-Carb: Try using a cauliflower crust pressed into the sheet pan (note that this may require different cooking times).

Fun for Kids and Family Night

Want to make dinner interactive and fun? Let everyone customize their section of the pizza with their own toppings. This is a hit with kids and picky eaters. Simply score the dough lightly to divide sections and label each one for a personalized pizza experience.

It’s also a great opportunity to teach kids basic cooking skills. From spreading the sauce to sprinkling cheese and choosing toppings, pizza night becomes more than a meal, it becomes a memory.

Conclusion

Sheet pan pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a solution. It solves the problem of what to cook on busy nights, how to feed a group without stress, and how to bring the joy of pizza-making into your home without special tools or techniques. Its ease, versatility, and consistently delicious results make it a must-have in any home cook’s rotation.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pizza aficionado, this approach offers everything you love about pizza with none of the fuss. So next time the craving strikes or you just need to get dinner on the table fast, turn to this reliable, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying sheet pan pizza.