Homemade pizza dough is the foundation of a delicious pizza, and making it from scratch is easier than you might think! This simple, no-fuss recipe yields a soft and chewy pizza crust with a crispy exterior—perfect for holding your favorite toppings. Whether you’re a pizza-making pro or just starting out, this pizza dough is a great way to customize your pies to your taste. Plus, making your dough at home is both rewarding and budget-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade pizza dough recipe is perfect for creating the ideal crust—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. It only requires a few basic ingredients like flour, yeast, water, and olive oil, making it simple to prepare. You can even prepare the dough in advance and freeze it, making pizza night quick and easy. It’s versatile enough for any type of pizza, whether you like it thin-crust, thick, or stuffed. With this dough, you’ll be able to create the perfect pizza right at home!
Ingredients
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2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
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1 teaspoon sugar
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3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to use.
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Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
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Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 7-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
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Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
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Preheat the oven: If you’re making your pizza right away, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
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Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 2 equal portions for smaller pizzas or keep it whole for a large pizza. Roll or stretch the dough into your desired shape (round or rectangular) on a lightly floured surface.
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Add toppings: Transfer the dough to a pizza pan, baking sheet, or preheated pizza stone. Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
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Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If you like a crispy crust, you can bake the pizza for a few extra minutes.
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Serve and enjoy: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade pizza with a crispy crust!
Servings and timing
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Servings: 2 medium pizzas or 1 large pizza
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Rising time: 1-1.5 hours
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Cook time: 12-15 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Whole wheat pizza dough: For a healthier version, substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
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Garlic-infused dough: Add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
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Herb-infused dough: Add a teaspoon of dried oregano, basil, or rosemary to the dough for an herbal twist.
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Gluten-free dough: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour to make the dough gluten-free. You may also need to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for added structure.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: If you have leftover dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before using, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
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Freezing: You can freeze pizza dough for future use. After the dough rises, punch it down and divide it into portions. Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough overnight in the fridge before using it.
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Reheating pizza: If you have leftover pizza, reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step. Simply add it directly to the flour mixture and proceed with the recipe.
2. Can I make pizza dough without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can make the dough by hand, as described in the recipe, by kneading it on a floured surface. A stand mixer with a dough hook just makes the process easier.
3. Can I make pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the dough rises, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
4. Can I make the dough without olive oil?
Yes, you can skip the olive oil if you prefer a lower-fat version, but the oil does add flavor and helps make the dough soft and easy to handle. You can substitute it with another vegetable oil or skip it altogether.
5. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze the dough after it has risen and been punched down. Divide it into portions, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
6. Can I use a pizza stone?
Yes! Preheat your pizza stone in the oven for 30 minutes at 475°F (245°C) before baking the pizza. This will give you a crispier crust.
7. Can I use this dough for a stuffed crust pizza?
Yes! You can stretch the dough into a larger circle and stuff the edges with cheese for a stuffed crust. Just roll up the edges to seal and bake as usual.
8. How do I know when my pizza crust is done?
The pizza crust is done when it’s golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the crust should have a slight crunch when you tap it.
9. How do I make the crust crispy?
To make a crispy crust, ensure your oven is preheated to a high temperature (475°F/245°C) and use a pizza stone if possible. You can also brush the crust with a little olive oil before baking to give it extra crispiness.
10. Can I make this dough without a rolling pin?
Yes! You can stretch the dough by hand if you don’t have a rolling pin. Gently press down with your fingers and stretch the dough until it reaches your desired size.
Conclusion
Homemade pizza dough is a simple yet essential recipe for creating delicious, personalized pizzas at home. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita or experimenting with unique toppings, this dough provides a soft, chewy base with a crispy exterior. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. With this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade pizza whenever you like, without the need for takeout!
Print
Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 medium pizzas or 1 large pizza
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade pizza dough is the foundation of a delicious pizza, offering a soft, chewy crust with a crispy exterior. This easy recipe lets you make pizza from scratch, perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
1 teaspoon sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a little more flour.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C), and place a pizza stone in the oven if using.
- Shape the dough: Punch the risen dough down, divide into 2 portions for smaller pizzas, or keep it whole for one large pizza. Roll or stretch into your desired shape on a floured surface.
- Add toppings: Transfer the dough to a pizza pan, baking sheet, or preheated pizza stone, then add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Bake the pizza: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. For a crispier crust, bake a little longer.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade pizza with a crispy crust!
Notes
Variations: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, add garlic or herbs for extra flavor, or make gluten-free dough with gluten-free flour.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover dough for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Let refrigerated dough come to room temperature before using.
For a crispy crust, use a pizza stone and preheat it in the oven.
You can stretch the dough by hand instead of using a rolling pin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Kneading and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the large pizza
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
