grandma pizza recipe.

 

Grandma Pizza Recipe (Thin, Crispy & Cheesy)

Grandma Pizza Recipe – Crispy, Cheesy & Easy Homemade Pizza

Make this Grandma Pizza Recipe with a thin, crispy olive-oil crust, homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. An easy New York-style favorite!

Grandma Pizza Recipe

This Grandma Pizza Recipe is a classic New York-style pan pizza with a thin, crispy, golden crust, flavorful tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.

Unlike thick Sicilian pizza, Grandma pizza is known for its relatively thin crust and generous olive-oil flavor. The dough is pressed into a rectangular pan, topped with cheese and sauce, and baked until the bottom is crisp and golden.

It's perfect for family pizza nights, parties, game days, and casual dinners.

Why You'll Love This Grandma Pizza

• Thin and crispy crust
• Golden, olive-oil-infused bottom
• Cheesy and flavorful
• Easy rectangular pan preparation
• Delicious homemade tomato sauce
• Great for family pizza night
• Easy to customize with toppings

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3½ cups bread flour
• 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1¼ cups lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

For the Sauce

• 1½ cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Topping

• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil, optional
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 13 × 18-inch rimmed baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Wooden spoon
• Pizza cutter

How to Make Grandma Pizza

1. Prepare the Dough

Combine bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

Add lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Knead for about 5–7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise for approximately 1–2 hours, or until it becomes puffy.

For more developed flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight and allow it to warm before shaping.

3. Make the Sauce

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to a small saucepan.

Simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Pan

Generously coat a 13 × 18-inch rimmed baking sheet with olive oil.

The olive oil helps give Grandma pizza its characteristic crisp, golden bottom.

5. Stretch the Dough

Transfer the dough to the oiled pan.

Using lightly oiled fingertips, gently press and stretch the dough toward the corners.

If it springs back, let it rest for 10–15 minutes before stretching again.

6. Add the Cheese

Spread the mozzarella evenly over the dough.

For a classic Grandma-style arrangement, putting the cheese down before the sauce can help protect the crust from excess moisture.

Sprinkle Parmesan over the mozzarella.

7. Add the Sauce

Spoon the tomato sauce over the cheese in small dollops or spread it lightly across the surface.

Finish with oregano and optional red pepper flakes.

8. Bake

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Bake the pizza for approximately 18–25 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden and the cheese is bubbling.

For a crispier bottom, place the pan on a lower oven rack.

9. Rest and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.

Top with fresh basil if desired, then cut into rectangular pieces and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Grandma Pizza

Use enough olive oil

A generous coating of olive oil helps the crust become crisp and golden.

Don't rush the dough

A longer rise or overnight refrigeration can improve the flavor and texture.

Don't stretch the dough too aggressively

Gentle pressing helps preserve some air in the dough.

Put cheese beneath the sauce

This classic approach helps prevent the thin crust from becoming soggy.

Preheat your oven thoroughly

A properly heated oven is important for developing a crisp bottom and well-browned edges.

Don't overload toppings

Too many wet toppings can make the crust soft instead of crisp.

Grandma Pizza Topping Ideas

Grandma Pepperoni Pizza

Add thinly sliced pepperoni over the cheese and sauce.

Grandma Margherita Pizza

Use mozzarella, tomato sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan.

Grandma Sausage Pizza

Add cooked crumbled Italian sausage before baking.

Grandma Vegetable Pizza

Top with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.

Spicy Grandma Pizza

Add red pepper flakes, hot peppers, and spicy sausage.

What to Serve With Grandma Pizza

Serve Grandma pizza with:

• Garlic knots
• Caesar salad
• Italian salad
• Antipasto salad
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic bread
• Mozzarella sticks
• Italian vegetable soup
• Homemade lemonade

Storage

Store leftover Grandma pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in a preheated oven or skillet to restore some of the crispness.

Avoid prolonged microwave heating if you want to maintain the crispy crust.

Can You Freeze Grandma Pizza?

Yes. Let the pizza cool completely before cutting it into individual pieces.

Wrap each piece tightly and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheat in a hot oven until warmed through and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grandma pizza?

Grandma pizza is a New York-style rectangular pan pizza known for its relatively thin, crisp crust and generous olive-oil flavor. It is commonly baked in a home-style rectangular pan and often features cheese underneath the tomato sauce.

What is the difference between Grandma pizza and Sicilian pizza?

Grandma pizza generally has a thinner, crispier crust, while Sicilian pizza typically has a thicker, airier crust. Both are commonly baked in rectangular pans.

What is the difference between Grandma pizza and New York pizza?

New York-style pizza is usually round and baked as large slices, while Grandma pizza is typically rectangular and pan-baked with a thinner crust.

Why is my Grandma pizza soggy?

Too much sauce, wet toppings, insufficient oven heat, or too little baking time can result in a soggy crust.

How do I make Grandma pizza crispy?

Use plenty of olive oil in the pan, preheat your oven thoroughly, avoid excessive toppings, and bake until the bottom and edges are deeply golden.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option. Let it come close to room temperature before stretching it into the pan.

Can I prepare Grandma pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes. Refrigerating the dough overnight can improve flavor. Allow it to warm before shaping.

What cheese is best for Grandma pizza?

Low-moisture mozzarella works particularly well because it melts evenly without adding excessive moisture. Parmesan adds extra savory flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on ingredients, toppings, and serving size.

Similar Recipes

• Sicilian Pizza
• Brooklyn Pizza
• New York Style Pizza
• New York White Pizza
• New York Pizza Dough
• Margherita Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Homemade Pizza Sauce
• Garlic Knots
• Detroit Style Pizza

Final Thoughts

This Grandma Pizza Recipe is a fantastic choice when you want a homemade pizza that's thin, crispy, cheesy, and packed with classic Italian-American flavor.

The combination of an olive-oil-coated rectangular crust, mozzarella, Parmesan, and tomato sauce creates a delicious pizza that's easy to customize. For the crispiest results, give the dough enough time to rise, use plenty of olive oil, and bake until the bottom and edges are beautifully golden.

Serve it hot with garlic knots, salad, or your favorite pizza-night sides.

Recipe Card

Grandma Pizza Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1–2 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Cuisine: Italian-American
Category: Main Course, Pizza

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3½ cups bread flour
• 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1¼ cups lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• 1½ cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Topping

• 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil, optional
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add water and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
3. Knead for 5–7 minutes.
4. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours.
5. Prepare the tomato sauce.
6. Generously oil a 13 × 18-inch baking sheet.
7. Stretch the dough gently into the pan.
8. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
9. Add mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Add tomato sauce and seasonings.
11. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 18–25 minutes.
12. Rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve.