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Homemade Pizza Dough

Homemade Pizza Dough

This Homemade Pizza Dough recipe is simple to make with basic pantry ingredients and results in a soft, chewy crust with a slightly crisp edge. Perfect for customizable pizzas whether baked in the oven or grilled, it offers a versatile, cost-effective, and delicious base ideal for various dietary preferences including gluten-free adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute bread flour for extra elasticity)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. These provide the structure and flavor foundation of the dough.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour and salt. Stir until the dough starts to form a shaggy ball.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough to release air, divide as needed, shape into rounds or balls, and let rest for another 20 to 30 minutes before shaping into your pizza crust.

Notes

  • Use warm water (105-110°F) to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Kneading well develops gluten for ideal chewy texture.
  • Allow adequate rest and rise time to build flavor and airiness.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for even yeast activation and easier handling.
  • Preheat oven to high temperature for a crisp crust that mimics professional pizza ovens.
  • Leftover dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.
  • To reheat pizza, warm in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

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