Rectangle And Square Shaped Pizza

Want a fun new way to make homemade pizza? Shaping your pizza dough into a rectangle or square gives you a unique look and is ideal for baking on a cookie sheet. With your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, this pizza is as easy to make as it is delicious!

When making pizza, you are not restricted to a traditional round pizza shape.  You can make your pizza any shape you wish.  On the picture above, the pizza is shaped like a rectangle with the rounded corners.

Why You’ll Love Rectangle And Square Shaped Pizza

• Unique and Fun Shape – This pizza brings a new twist to the table with its unique rectangle or square shape, making it stand out from the traditional round pizza. It’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen, especially for kids and family gatherings!
• Perfect for Cookie Sheets – The rectangle shape fits perfectly on a cookie sheet, allowing you to bake one big pizza instead of making multiple smaller ones. This saves time and ensures an even cook across the entire pizza.
• Easier to Slice and Serve – With its straight edges, this pizza shape makes slicing into equal pieces a breeze. It’s ideal for serving a crowd since you can cut the pieces to any size you like.
• Crispy, Customizable Crust – By shaping the dough yourself, you can control the thickness, making it thin and crispy or thick and chewy. Plus, the flexibility to add all your favorite toppings makes this a fully customizable pizza experience.
• No Special Equipment Needed – All you need is a cookie sheet to bake this delicious pizza, and shaping it into a square or rectangle is as easy as pulling on the dough. It’s a simple, fun, and delicious way to enjoy homemade pizza!

You might think – why would I make a rectangle or square shaped pizza?  Well, the reason why I made the rectangle shaped pizza was to fit that pizza on a cookie sheet.  I was baking that pizza on a cookie sheet, and if the pizza was round shape, it would take up just half of the cookie sheet, and I would have to make the second pizza with the remaining dough.  What I ended up doing was making one pizza that’s as big as a cookie sheet and is shaped to fit a rectangular cooking sheet.

Ingredients For Rectangle And Square Shaped Pizza

• Pizza Dough – The foundation of your pizza, ready to be shaped to fit your cookie sheet.
• Pizza Sauce – Adds a delicious tomato sauce base and classic pizza flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully and creates that cheesy, gooey layer.
• Your Choice of Toppings – Customize with any toppings you like, such as pepperoni, vegetables, or extra cheese.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Rectangle And Square Shaped Pizza

• Cookie Sheet – To bake your pizza in its unique rectangle or square shape.
• Rolling Pin – Helps roll out the pizza dough evenly into the desired shape.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of your sauce and toppings.
• Bread Machine (Optional) – If you’re making the pizza dough from scratch, this tool helps simplify the process.

Making the pizza shaped like a rectangle or a square is easy.  First, make the easy pizza dough using a bread machine.  To make a rectangle shaped pizza, roll the pizza dough into an oval, then pull on the corners of the dough oval with your fingers to stretch the dough to look like a rectangle.  To make square shaped pizza, roll the pizza dough into a circle, then pull on the corners to stretch the dough into a square shape.  That’s all there is to it!

You can make the pizza dough any shape you wish, including the rectangle and square.  Then load up the dough with your favorite toppings, put into a hot oven and out comes the pizza, ready for you in your favorite shape :)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this pizza with a fresh side salad like pear and gorgonzola or cucumber chickpea salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair it with some garlic bread or breadsticks for a classic pizzeria combo.
• Drizzle a little olive oil or sprinkle fresh basil on top after baking for an extra burst of flavor.
• This pizza is perfect for family pizza night or a casual get-together with friends.
• Cut it into small squares and serve as an appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Tips For Success

• Shaping the Dough: When rolling out your dough, start by forming it into an oval or circle. To get a rectangle or square shape, gently pull and stretch the corners of the dough. If it’s bouncing back, let the dough rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to shape.
• Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the dough tough. Just enough to keep everything smooth is key.
• Even Thickness: Make sure your dough is an even thickness throughout. This ensures the pizza bakes evenly, with no overly thick or thin spots that might result in a burnt or undercooked crust. You can use your hands to gently press and smooth out any uneven areas after rolling.
• Topping Placement: Don’t overload the pizza with toppings, especially if you’re aiming for a crispy crust. Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and prevent the dough from cooking properly. Instead, spread them evenly and leave room for the pizza to crisp up around the edges.
• Hot Oven for Crispiness: Baking your pizza at a high temperature (450°F or 230°C) ensures a crispy crust while the cheese melts and browns nicely. Preheating the oven is key, as the pizza will cook more evenly when placed in a fully heated oven.
• Customize Your Crust: For a chewier crust, leave it slightly thicker when rolling it out. If you prefer a crispier crust, roll it thinner. Experimenting with thickness can help you find the perfect texture for your pizza.

Variations And Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Pizza: If you’re gluten-sensitive, simply swap the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free version. There are many store-bought gluten-free dough options, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour. The process for shaping and baking remains the same, but keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free doughs may cook slightly faster.
• Whole Wheat Crust: For a healthier option, substitute your regular pizza dough with whole wheat dough. It adds extra fiber and a hearty flavor to your pizza. You can buy pre-made whole wheat dough or make your own using whole wheat flour. Just remember, whole wheat dough can be slightly denser, so consider rolling it thinner for a lighter crust.
• Cheese Substitutes: If you’re lactose intolerant or want a dairy-free option, you can replace the mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives. Many dairy-free cheeses melt well and taste delicious on pizza. You could also try using a smaller amount of stronger flavored cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
• Vegan Pizza: For a fully vegan pizza, use a plant-based dough (most dough recipes are naturally vegan, but double-check your ingredients), dairy-free cheese, and plenty of vegetables as toppings. You can add protein with options like vegan sausage, chickpeas, or marinated tofu.
• Low-Carb Pizza: Swap out traditional pizza dough with a low-carb alternative like cauliflower crust or almond flour dough. These alternatives are perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet. While the shaping process will differ slightly, you can still achieve a rectangle or square shape for baking.
• Different Topping Ideas: Get creative with toppings to make the pizza your own! Try adding caramelized onions and goat cheese for a gourmet pizza, or go bold with BBQ chicken and pineapple. For a classic flavor, stick with pepperoni, sausage, or just a simple Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes and basil.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover pizza, allow it to cool completely before storing it. Place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store the pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Pizza: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. This keeps the pizza fresh and prevents freezer burn. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months. To reheat, no need to thaw—just bake from frozen.
• Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat your pizza in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the pizza on a baking sheet, and heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can also use a pizza stone if you have one for an even crisper crust.
• Microwave Reheating: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30-60 seconds. Keep in mind, this method can result in a softer crust, so it’s best for when you’re in a hurry.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: For a crispy crust, try reheating your pizza on the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, place your pizza slice in the pan, and cover it with a lid. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure the crust doesn’t burn, and remove when the cheese is melty and the bottom is crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe. It saves time and is convenient, especially when you’re in a rush. Simply follow the same steps to shape it into a rectangle or square, and it will bake beautifully on your cookie sheet. You can find pre-made dough in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.

How do I prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the cookie sheet?

To prevent sticking, lightly grease your cookie sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper before placing the dough on it. Additionally, you can sprinkle some cornmeal on the sheet to help the pizza slide off easily once it’s done baking. This also adds a nice texture to the crust!

What other toppings can I use for this pizza?

The possibilities are endless! You can stick with classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, or try more adventurous options like BBQ chicken, goat cheese, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, consider a Margherita-style pizza with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also pre-bake the pizza crust for 5-7 minutes, add your toppings, and then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake it fully. If freezing, bake straight from frozen at 450°F, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.

What’s the best way to achieve a crispy crust?

To achieve a crispy crust, make sure to roll out your dough evenly and not too thick. Preheating the oven to a high temperature (450°F) is also key to getting that crispy texture. If you like an extra crisp, place the pizza directly on the oven rack for the last few minutes of baking.

If you like unusual-shaped pizzas, you must check out my heart-shaped pizza.  Yum!  See also: how to make cheese pizza from scratch

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