5 Common Pizza-Making Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Making homemade pizza is a rewarding experience, but achieving the perfect crust, texture, and flavor can be tricky. Many home pizza makers run into common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Whether your dough is too tough, your crust isn’t crispy enough, or your cheese burns too quickly, these issues can often be solved with a few simple adjustments. Here are five common pizza-making mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Using the Wrong Flour or Dough Hydration

The Mistake:

One of the biggest issues home pizza makers face is using the wrong type of flour. Standard all-purpose flour can work, but it lacks the necessary protein content to create the elasticity needed for a great crust. Additionally, incorrect hydration (the water-to-flour ratio) can make dough too dry or too sticky.

How to Fix It:

• Use high-protein flour like 00 flour (for Neapolitan-style pizza) or bread flour (for a crispier crust). These flours provide better gluten development, which leads to a chewy yet airy texture.
• Check hydration levels—for a classic Neapolitan dough, aim for 58-65% hydration (58-65g water per 100g flour). New York-style pizza often uses 60-65% hydration for a balanced chew and crisp.
• Let your dough rest properly—overnight fermentation in the fridge enhances flavor and dough structure.

2. Rolling Out Dough Instead of Stretching It

The Mistake:

Using a rolling pin flattens out air pockets in the dough, resulting in a dense, tough crust instead of a light and airy one.

How to Fix It:

• Hand-stretch your dough instead of rolling it out. Start by gently pressing the dough from the center outward, then lift and stretch it over your knuckles, letting gravity do the work.
• Use properly proofed dough—if your dough is too cold or under-fermented, it will resist stretching and spring back. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before shaping.

3. Using Too Many Toppings

The Mistake:

Overloading your pizza with sauce, cheese, and toppings can make the crust soggy and prevent even cooking.

How to Fix It:

• Less is more. Use a thin layer of sauce (2-3 tablespoons for a 12-inch pizza) and distribute cheese and toppings evenly without overloading.
• Pre-cook moisture-heavy toppings like mushrooms, onions, and fresh tomatoes to remove excess water.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella if you want less water pooling on the surface.

4. Baking at the Wrong Temperature

The Mistake:

Many home pizza makers bake their pizza at too low of a temperature, leading to a crust that is undercooked, doughy, or unevenly browned.

How to Fix It:

• Crank up the heat. Pizza needs high temperatures to cook properly.
• Neapolitan-style pizza: 800-900°F (430-480°C) in a wood-fired oven.
• Home oven (with pizza stone/steel): 475-550°F (245-290°C). Preheat for at least 45 minutes before baking.
• Pizza oven (gas or electric): Follow manufacturer recommendations, but aim for 600-700°F (315-370°C) if possible.
• Use a pizza stone or baking steel to retain heat and crisp up the bottom crust. Place it on the middle or lower rack of your oven for best results.

5. Not Letting the Pizza Rest Before Slicing

The Mistake:

Cutting into a fresh pizza straight out of the oven can cause cheese and toppings to slide off, leaving a messy presentation.

How to Fix It:

• Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set and toppings to adhere.
• Use a sharp pizza cutter or rocker blade for clean cuts without dragging the cheese.

Final Thoughts

Making great pizza at home takes practice, but avoiding these common mistakes will get you closer to pizzeria-quality results. By using the right flour, stretching the dough properly, controlling toppings, baking at high heat, and allowing your pizza to rest before slicing, you’ll create a delicious, perfectly cooked pizza every time.

Looking for the right tools to improve your homemade pizza game? Explore our Dough Mixers for easier dough prep and consistency, and browse our Pizza Ovens to achieve that perfect pizzeria-style bake at home.