This Costco Cheese Pizza Recipe is a cheesy and simple recipe, which is made with a thick crust and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a copycat of the food court favorite, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeCostco Cheese Pizza Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 oz)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Cornmeal, for dusting (optional)
- Olive oil, for brushing (optional)
How To Make Costco Cheese Pizza
- Prep the oven: Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the rack. Preheat the oven to 475°F for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Shape the dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12- to 14-inch circle. For a classic Costco-style thick crust, don’t roll it too thin. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper lightly dusted with cornmeal.
- Top the pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly onto the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the pizza: Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper, if using) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set, making for cleaner cuts.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a crispy crust? The secret is high heat and a preheated surface. Letting your oven and pizza stone (or baking sheet) get screaming hot before the pizza goes in is what creates that perfectly crisp bottom crust, just like at the food court.
- How to stretch pizza dough? For a chewy crust with a nice rim, avoid using a rolling pin. Use your fingertips to press the dough out, leaving the outer edge a little thicker. Then, drape the dough over your knuckles and gently turn and stretch it, letting gravity do the work.
- Don’t overload the pizza: While Costco is generous with cheese, there’s a limit! Too much sauce can make the crust soggy, and a mountain of cheese can become greasy. The amounts in the recipe are a good starting point for that classic cheesy-but-not-overloaded feel.
- Can I use a different cheese blend? Yes! For a flavor even closer to the original, try using a blend of low-moisture mozzarella and provolone cheese.
What To Serve With Cheese Pizza
This classic pizza is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with traditional pizzeria sides.
- A simple Caesar salad or a chopped Italian salad
- Crispy chicken wings with blue cheese or ranch dip
- Warm garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
- A side of marinara sauce for dipping the crust
How To Store Cheese Pizza
Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container, a zip-top bag, or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: For the best results that keep the crust crispy, reheat slices on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven or in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
Costco Cheese Pizza Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 356kcal
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
- Sodium: 1085mg
- Potassium: 97mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on specific ingredients and dough used.
FAQs
This is a popular “copycat” recipe that aims to replicate the taste and style of the famous cheese pizza from the Costco food court. While not the official recipe, it’s a beloved version that many enjoy making at home.
A soggy crust is usually caused by either not preheating the oven and baking surface enough, or by using too much sauce. A very hot oven is essential for a crisp bottom.
Yes. You can bake the pizza, let it cool completely, and then freeze the whole pie or individual slices. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat from frozen in a 400°F oven.
Try More Recipes:
Costco Cheese Pizza Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes356
kcalA simple, foolproof recipe for a thick and chewy cheese pizza that tastes just like the beloved classic from the Costco food court.
Ingredients
1 pound prepared pizza dough
⅓ cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475°F.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12- to 14-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. Spread the sauce on the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
- Sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Preheating your baking surface is the most important step for a crispy crust.
- Don’t be shy with the cheese; a generous layer is key to the Costco experience.
- Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing to allow the cheese to set.
- For an authentic touch, use a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
