10 Ways to Spruce Up Plain Cheese Pizza

And how to make restaurant-quality pizza at home

Photo: Paolo Paradiso/iStock/Getty Images Plus

The classic American-style pizza, with variations to keep things interesting for a long time to come. You can use store-bought tomato sauce, but my two recipes are so simple they may be easier than a run to the grocery. As always, good-quality mozzarella is preferable; if it comes packed in water, drain it well and slice it thinly if it’s too soft to grate.

Cheese Pizza

Makes: 1 large or 2+ small pies
Time: About 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 batch pizza dough
• Flour for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or more as needed
• 2 cups tomato sauce (see below)
• 2 cups grated or thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)
• Salt and pepper

The Basics of Pizza Dough

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 500°F or higher with a pizza stone on a lower…