Grandma Pizza – Crispy, Cheesy, and Oven-Fresh Goodness

Grandma Pizza is a beloved slice of East Coast comfort, known for its crispy crust, rustic charm, and classic tomato-and-cheese topping. Baked in a rectangular pan with a thinner crust than Sicilian but thicker than traditional New York-style, this version brings all the bold flavors in a smarter, lighter format—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy-Crusted Delight – The pan-baked method creates a perfectly golden, crunchy base.
Simple, Classic Flavors – Tomato, cheese, garlic, and herbs come together in every bite.
Lighter, Smarter Ingredients – All the taste of traditional pizza, with a better-for-you spin.
Easy, Homemade Feel – No need for fancy equipment—just a pan and your oven.

Ingredients

For the dough (or use store-bought light pizza dough):

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp sugar
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

For the topping:

• ¾ cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 4–5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Preheat Oven and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking pan and stretch the dough to fit the pan. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.

3. Add the Sauce
Spread the crushed tomatoes or sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.

4. Add Cheese and Bake
Top with shredded mozzarella. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

5. Garnish and Serve
Let the pizza rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 160
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Preheat That Pan – Starting with a hot pan helps crisp the bottom beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic = Big Flavor – For extra aroma, go with fresh minced garlic over powder.
• Cheese Matters – Use a good-quality reduced-fat mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
• Don’t Skip Resting – Letting the dough rest after stretching makes it easier to bake evenly.

Why This Recipe Works

Grandma Pizza is the perfect blend of tradition and convenience. Baked in a home-friendly pan, it’s easy to make and comes out delicious every time. This lightened version doesn’t skimp on taste—thanks to fresh sauce, a crispy olive oil-kissed crust, and just enough cheese to keep every bite satisfying.

With its crispy edges, savory tomato topping, and melty cheese, this Grandma Pizza captures everything comforting about homemade pizza night—just in a more balanced way. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping slices for the week, it’s a recipe that’s easy to love and even easier to make.