There’s something truly magical about making a pizza entirely from scratch — we’re talking about the dough, the cheese, and even the sauce. Whether you’re growing tomatoes in your backyard or making cheese from fresh milk, this homestead-style pizza is wholesome, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Ready to get your hands messy and make something delicious? Let’s dive in!
Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
A good pizza starts with a great crust — chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside.
Ingredients:
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 tbsp sugar
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until it forms a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Punch the dough down and roll it out to your desired thickness.
Tip: This recipe makes enough for two medium pizzas.
Homemade Farmer’s Cheese (Soft, Crumbly Cheese)
You don’t need rennet or complicated equipment — this simple cheese is fresh, easy, and perfect for pizza.
Ingredients:
1 gallon whole milk
1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the milk in a large pot over medium heat until it starts to gently boil (around 180°F).
2. Remove from heat and slowly stir in vinegar or lemon juice.
3. The curds will begin to separate from the whey. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Line a colander with cheesecloth and pour in the mixture. Let it drain for 1–2 hours depending on how firm you want the cheese.
5. Crumble over your pizza or press into a mold to slice later.
Optional: Add herbs or garlic for extra flavor before pressing the cheese.
Homemade Tomato Sauce (From Garden or Pantry)
This sauce is simple, vibrant, and full of fresh tomato flavor.
Ingredients:
4–5 ripe tomatoes (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1 pinch sugar (to balance acidity)
* Optional: basil, chopped onion, red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them first.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes, salt, oregano, and sugar.
4. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Blend for a smoother sauce, or leave chunky for a rustic texture.
I used frozen tomatoes from last years harvest that I hadn’t gotten around to using yet. I let it simmer all day to cook off any excess liquid plus I like my sauce to be thick and very tomato-ey.
Putting It All Together
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F. A pizza stone or cast iron pan works great if you have one.
2. Roll out your dough on a floured surface and transfer to a baking sheet or stone.
3. Spread a layer of your homemade tomato sauce.
4. Sprinkle on your homemade cheese.
5. Add toppings: sliced onions, garden vegetables, cured meats, olives, herbs — whatever your homestead provides!
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Final Thoughts
Making pizza entirely from scratch is a deeply rewarding experience. It connects you with your food, your land, and your kitchen in the best way possible. Whether you grow your own tomatoes or just want to try something homemade this weekend, this recipe is a delicious place to start.
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