There's a moment at the start of every great pizza night: the blank canvas moment. A fresh round of dough, a lineup of toppings, and a decision that's entirely yours to make. At Aurelio's Pizza in Homewood, Illinois, that moment is the whole point.
Since 1959, Aurelio's has built its name on traditional Italian pizza made the way it's supposed to be made — with real ingredients, real technique, and zero shortcuts. But tradition doesn't mean rigid. It means having a solid foundation to build on. And when you create your own pizza at Aurelio's, that foundation is yours to work with however you like.
Start With the Crust
Every good pizza starts at the bottom. Aurelio's approach to crust comes from decades of Italian pizza-making experience, giving you a base that holds up to sauce, cheese, and toppings without turning soggy or falling apart at the first bite.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family after a long week or putting together a spread for game night, the crust sets the tone. Thin and crisp for those who like a little crunch, or a heartier style for people who want more bread with every bite — the choice shapes the whole experience.
Sauce and Cheese: The Backbone of Italian Pizza
Next comes the sauce and cheese, and this is where Aurelio's Italian roots really show. The sauce isn't an afterthought — it's built on recipes that trace back to the restaurant's founding, giving every pizza a flavor that's distinctly Aurelio's.
Layer on the cheese, and you've got the backbone of a proper Italian pizza. From here, the fun really starts.
The Toppings: Where Your Pizza Becomes Yours
This is the part families tend to argue about — in the best way. One kid wants pepperoni. Another wants extra cheese and nothing else. Dad's eyeing the mushrooms. Mom just wants something with a little kick.
Aurelio's create your own pizza option means nobody has to compromise. Build separate pizzas, or find a combination everyone can agree on.
For those who want to try something a little different, Aurelio's signature Calabrese sausage is worth a mention. This isn't your standard pizza topping — it's a specialty sausage with real character, adding a bold, savory element that turns a good pizza into a memorable one. Pair it with peppers and onions for a Calabrese pizza that brings serious flavor to the table.
Prefer something closer to home? Italian beef is another option worth exploring, especially for anyone who wants a heartier, meat-forward pizza that still keeps things rooted in Italian tradition.
Beyond Pizza: Building a Full Meal
Pizza night doesn't have to stop at pizza. Aurelio's menu includes pasta and other Italian dishes that round out the table nicely, whether you're serving a family dinner or setting up for a bigger event through pizza catering.
Getting Your Custom Pizza Home
Once you've settled on your build, Aurelio's makes it simple to enjoy it your way. Dine in and watch the process from a table close to the action, order takeout for a quick pickup, or rely on pizza delivery to bring everything straight to your door.
Frequent visitors can also make use of the Aurelio's pizza rewards app, which rewards regulars for sticking with what they love. If pizza night is already a weekly tradition at your house, that's an easy way to make it pay off.
A Homewood Tradition, Built Slice by Slice
Aurelio's Pizza has spent decades as part of the Homewood, Illinois community, and that local connection still shows in how the restaurant operates today. It's not just about serving pizza — it's about giving families and casual diners a place to gather, customize their meal, and walk away satisfied.
As a pizza franchise with deep roots, Aurelio's has managed to hold onto what made it popular in the first place: real Italian pizza, made with care, and left open enough for every customer to make it their own.
Ready to Build Yours?
Skip the guesswork on your next pizza order. Head to Aurelio's Pizza to start building your own pizza online, or stop by the Homewood location to build it in person. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for menu updates and specials, and don't forget to download the rewards app before your next order. Your perfect pie is waiting.
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