Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

Introduction

Making your own pizza dough at home is easier than you think and brings a fresh, flavorful base to your favorite toppings. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients and yields a soft, chewy crust perfect for any pizza night.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (optional but chef’s kiss)
• 4 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by mixing the warm water and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: Add the flour, salt, Italian seasoning (if using), and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Use extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 60–90 minutes.
5. Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and roll or stretch it into your desired pizza shape.
6. Step 6: Add your favorite toppings, then bake at 475°F (245°C) on a preheated pan or pizza stone for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier crust.
• If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder instead.
• Letting the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator can develop more complex flavors.
• Use a pizza stone or steel for better heat distribution and a crispier crust.

Storage

Store unused dough in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before shaping. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before use. Reheat baked pizza in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. It doesn’t require proofing in warm water. Mix it directly into the dry ingredients and reduce the water slightly if needed.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Add flour gradually while kneading, just enough to make the dough workable but still soft. Avoid adding too much flour as it can make the crust tough.

Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

This Homemade Pizza Dough recipe is a simple and versatile base for delicious homemade pizzas. Using active dry yeast, warm water, and a blend of Italian seasoning and olive oil, the dough is kneaded to the perfect smooth and elastic texture, allowed to rise until fluffy, then shaped and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for creating your favorite pizza toppings on a crispy, chewy crust.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 medium-sized pizza dough (approx. 12-inch pizza) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 4 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: Mix warm water and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dough: Add all-purpose flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients come together into a shaggy dough.
3. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add extra flour only if the dough is too sticky.
4. First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes until it doubles in size.
5. Shape: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Roll or stretch it into your desired pizza shape on a floured surface.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking pan or pizza stone inside. Add your favorite toppings to the shaped dough and bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the toppings are bubbly.

Notes

• Make sure the water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
• If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use dried oregano, basil, or a mixture of both.
• Use a pizza stone or preheated pan for the best crispy crust results.
• The dough can be refrigerated after the first rise for up to 24 hours to develop more flavor.
• For a thinner crust, roll the dough thinner before baking; for thicker crust, keep it slightly thicker.

Keywords: homemade pizza dough, easy pizza dough recipe, Italian pizza crust, yeast pizza dough, homemade pizza crust