Gather ingredients: pizza dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.), olive oil, salt, pepper
Preheat oven to 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C)
Prepare dough: stretch or roll into desired shape and thickness
Add sauce: spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough
Add cheese: sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce
Add toppings: distribute toppings evenly and lightly
Season: add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper (optional)
Transfer to a baking surface: use a pizza stone, baking sheet, or parchment-lined tray
Bake: bake 10 to 15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling
Rest: let pizza rest 1 to 3 minutes before slicing
Slice and serve