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Introduction There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked pizza filling your kitchen. The golden crust, gooey cheese, and perfectly balanced toppings—it’s comfort food at its finest. For families in Calgary, pizza night is more than just dinner; it’s a tradition, a gathering, and a reason to smile. At Rio Pizza Calgary, we know a thing or two about making pizza that gets everyone talking. Whether you’re searching for the best pizza Calgary has to offer or looking to try your hand at making a homemade pizza masterpiece, this guide is for you. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s walk through how to make pizza at home, step by step! Why Make Pizza at Home? Sure, you can always type “pizza near me” and find a local Calgary pizza restaurant (hello, that’s us at Rio Pizza 🍕). But sometimes, making pizza at home is a fun way to: Spend quality time with family (kids love topping their own mini pizzas). Experiment with different flavors and toppings. Appreciate just how much love goes into every slice of pizza.  And when you’ve perfected your pizza craft, you’ll have even more appreciation for your next bite of Rio Pizza’s specialties like our signature Pizza Moms creation (a must-try for anyone craving a comfort-loaded pie). Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pizza at Home Making pizza is easier than you think. All you need is a bit of patience, fresh ingredients, and a hot oven. Let’s break it down: Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients For a classic homemade pizza, you’ll need: For the Dough 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp) 1 cup warm water (not too hot, not too cold) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt  For the Sauce 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp basil Salt and pepper to taste  For the Toppings Cheese: Mozzarella (the classic choice), but you can also try cheddar, provolone, or even fresh burrata. Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, chicken. Veggies: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, olives. Extras: Fresh basil, chili flakes, or even pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous.  Step 2: Making the Dough Pizza starts with a strong foundation—the dough. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1–2 hours. It should double in size.  👉 Tip from Rio Pizza Calgary: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought dough. But trust us, homemade dough brings an unmatched flavor. Step 3: Preparing the Sauce While the dough is rising, let’s whip up a quick, delicious sauce. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.  👉 Shortcut: Love convenience? Many Calgary grocery stores carry quality pre-made pizza sauces. Just don’t skip the seasoning! Step 4: Shaping the Pizza Once the dough has risen: Punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a circle (or rectangle—who cares, pizza is pizza!). Place it on a lightly greased baking sheet or a pizza stone if you have one.  👉 For a crispy crust, preheat the stone in the oven before adding the dough. Step 5: Add the Toppings Here’s where the fun begins! Spread sauce evenly, sprinkle cheese generously, and add your toppings of choice. Some combos to try: Classic Margherita: Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Pepperoni Perfection: Cheese + lots of pepperoni. Veggie Lovers: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, spinach. Meat Lovers: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, chicken. Rio Pizza Moms Special: A hearty mix of meats, veggies, and extra cheese (exclusive to Rio Pizza Calgary, but you can try a homemade version!).  Step 6: Bake to Perfection Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake pizza for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. 👉 Pro Tip: If you like that smoky pizzeria-style flavor, try finishing your pizza under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Bonus Tips for Homemade Pizza Flour Power: Use bread flour for a chewier crust. No Oven? No Problem! You can cook pizza on a stovetop skillet or even on the BBQ. Cheese It Right: Always shred your own cheese—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Don’t Overload: Too many toppings = soggy pizza. Keep it balanced.  FAQs About Homemade Pizza 1. Can I make pizza without an oven? Yes! Use a cast-iron skillet on medium heat, cover with a lid, and cook for 8–10 minutes. Or, try grilling pizza on your BBQ for that charred flavor. 2. What’s the best cheese for pizza at home? Mozzarella is the classic choice for that stretchy, melty goodness. For extra flavor, mix with cheddar, provolone, or parmesan. 3. How do I make pizza dough from scratch? It’s simple: flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Mix, knead, rise, and bake. (Check the step-by-step dough recipe above). 4. Can I freeze pizza dough? Absolutely! After rising, portion and freeze the dough. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and use. 5. What’s the secret to restaurant-style pizza? A hot oven, fresh dough, quality toppings, and most importantly—love. That’s why locals say Rio Pizza Calgary makes some of the best pizza Calgary has to offer. When You Don’t Want to Cook… We get it. Some nights, you don’t want to knead, chop, or bake—you just want to eat delicious pizza. That’s where Rio Pizza Calgary comes in. From our crowd-favorite Pizza Moms Special to classics like Margherita, Pepperoni, and Meat Lovers, we’ve got something for everyone. 👉 Check our pizza menu here 👉 Order fresh pizza from Rio Pizza in Calgary External Resources for