Kevin’s Cheese Pizza Inspired by Home Alone 2

What’s Up, Hungry People

If Kevin McCallister can take over the Plaza Hotel with nothing but confidence and a credit card, I can at least recreate his cheese pizza at home. Thin crust, garlic butter from edge to edge, and enough mozzarella to make room service proud. No Wet Bandits allowed.

This New York Plaza Hotel-inspired cheese pizza keeps things classic: thin pizza dough, a garlic butter–brushed crust, light pizza sauce, and plenty of melty mozzarella.

No toppings, no shortcuts – just crispy edges, bubbly cheese, and pure comfort.

What Makes This Pizza Different

This isn’t just a basic cheese pizza. The garlic butter brushed across the entire crust adds flavor all the way to the edge, turning even the crust into the best bite. Baking it on a fully heated pizza stone gives that crisp bottom Kevin definitely deserved after dealing with the Wet Bandits.

It’s minimal on purpose – the cheese gets the spotlight, just like in the movie.

Here’s What You Need

• Pizza dough – Forms the base of the pizza. Rolling it thin helps recreate that classic New York–style bite.
• Pizza sauce – Adds acidity and balance without overpowering the cheese. A light layer goes a long way.
• Mozzarella cheese – The star of the show. Low-moisture mozzarella melts evenly and keeps the pizza from getting soggy.
• Butter – Creates a rich base for the garlic seasoning and helps the crust crisp up beautifully.
• Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor without burning like fresh garlic might at high heat.
• Onion powder – Rounds out the garlic and adds subtle depth.
• Italian seasoning – Brings classic pizzeria flavor into the crust itself.

Let’s Cook

Preheat the oven to 425°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven and let it heat for at least 45–60 minutes. This step makes a huge difference in texture.

Shape the Dough

Bring the dough to room temperature. Roll or stretch it into a 12-inch round, keeping it fairly thin. Transfer to a floured pizza peel or a baking sheet.

Make the Garlic Butter

Melt the butter, then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough, edge to edge.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Ladle the pizza sauce into the center and spread it lightly, leaving about a 1-inch border. Don’t overdo it – a thin, even layer is perfect. Top with mozzarella, spreading it evenly across the pizza.

Bake

Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza directly onto it and remove with a peel once done. Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing.

Courtesy of the Plaza Hotel

• A fully heated pizza stone is the easiest way to get that crisp bottom.
• Keep the sauce light – too much will soften the crust.
• Shred your own mozzarella if possible for smoother melting.
• Want extra browning? Finish the pizza on the top rack for the final minute.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes. Most grocery store doughs work great for this recipe.
• What if I don’t have a pizza stone? A baking sheet works fine. Preheat it for a few minutes to help crisp the bottom.
• Can I add toppings? You can… but Kevin wouldn’t. This pizza really shines when kept simple.
• Can I make this ahead of time? The dough can be shaped and refrigerated earlier in the day. Bake just before serving for best texture.

Watch It On TikTok

[COMING SOON!]

This is the kind of pizza that doesn’t need toppings, explanations, or excuses. Crispy edges, garlicky crust, stretchy cheese – simple for a reason. Whether you’re watching Home Alone 2 or just living out your own main-character moment, this one feels like a win.

And don’t worry… there’s a lot more where that came from.