This homemade three cheese pan pizza delivers everything you want from a classic pan-style pizza: a thin yet chewy crust, crisp edges, rich tomato sauce, and a perfectly balanced blend of cheeses. Baked at a high temperature in a round pan, it creates a restaurant-style pizza experience right in your own kitchen, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for celebrations. The dough is easy to work with and bakes up beautifully in a cake pan, giving you a crisp bottom without a thick outer crust. The combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates deep flavor, excellent melt, and just the right amount of richness. It’s customizable, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough
3/4 cup warm water (about 115°F)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons olive oil

For the topping
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional halal-friendly toppings
1/2 cup sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives
Halal beef or turkey pepperoni, thinly sliced (optional)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

In a mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Add the olive oil and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 500°F. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans with olive oil.

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Press each portion into the bottom of a prepared pan and slightly up the sides, about 1/4 inch.

Spread about 1/4 cup pizza sauce evenly over each crust. Sprinkle the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly over the sauce. Finish with ground black pepper and any optional toppings.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Carefully remove the pizzas from the pans, slice, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 people
Yield: Two 9-inch pan pizzas

Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 60–90 minutes
Bake time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispness. A skillet over medium heat with a lid also works well. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the crust.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.

What pan size works best for this recipe?

Two 9-inch round cake pans are ideal, but similar-sized oven-safe pans will also work.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, any good-quality pizza sauce works well, or you can use homemade if preferred.

Why is the oven temperature so high?

The high temperature helps create a crisp bottom and bubbly cheese similar to pizzeria-style pizza.

Can I use only one type of cheese?

You can, but the blend of three cheeses gives the best flavor and texture.

Is whole milk mozzarella necessary?

Whole milk mozzarella melts better and provides richer flavor, but part-skim can be used if needed.

Can I freeze this pizza?

Yes, bake the pizza fully, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I prevent the dough from shrinking in the pan?

If the dough snaps back, let it rest for 5 minutes before pressing it again.

Can I add more toppings?

Yes, just avoid overloading the pizza to ensure even baking.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely. The mild cheese blend and thin crust make it very kid-friendly.

Conclusion

Three cheese pan pizza is a simple yet impressive homemade meal that combines crisp crust, rich sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a reliable recipe you can return to again and again. Whether for a family dinner or a casual celebration, this pizza delivers comfort, flavor, and satisfaction every time.

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