Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making your own pizza dough from scratch is easier than you think, and the results are incredible! Whether you love a crispy thin crust, a chewy Neapolitan-style base, or a fluffy pan pizza, this versatile dough is the perfect foundation for your favorite toppings.
This homemade pizza dough is made with only five ingredients and requires minimal effort. With just a little mixing and rising time, you’ll get a soft, stretchy, and flavorful dough that bakes into a perfectly golden crust. Plus, making pizza at home allows you to customize the size, shape, and thickness just the way you like it.
Ingredients (Makes 2 Large Pizzas or 4 Personal Pizzas)
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 325ml (1 1/3 cups) warm water (about 40°C or 105°F)
- 7g (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 10g (2 teaspoons) salt
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps activate the yeast)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast (If Using Active Dry Yeast)
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- If you are using instant yeast, you can skip this step and add it directly to the flour.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture (or warm water if using instant yeast) and olive oil.
- Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
- If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
- If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment on medium speed for 5-6 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise (Proofing the Dough)
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air.
- Divide it into two equal portions for large pizzas or four portions for personal-sized pizzas.
- Roll each portion into a ball and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough into your desired pizza shape and thickness.
- If you like thin crust, roll it out thinner and let it rest for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- For a thicker crust, leave it slightly thicker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to rise a little more.
Step 7: Bake Your Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) or the highest setting available.
- Place the shaped dough on a pizza stone, baking sheet, or preheated pizza steel.
- Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 1 Large Pizza Slice)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and toppings used.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pizza Dough
✨ Use high-protein flour – For a chewier crust, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
✨ Don’t rush the rise – The longer the dough rises, the more flavorful it becomes. You can even let it rise overnight in the fridge for a deeper taste.
✨ Preheat your oven – A hot oven ensures a crispy crust. If using a pizza stone or steel, preheat it for at least 30 minutes before baking.
✨ Hand-stretch the dough – Avoid rolling pins if you want an airy crust. Instead, gently stretch the dough using your hands.
✨ Brush with olive oil – For an extra crispy and golden crust, brush the edges with olive oil before baking.
✨ Freeze for later – You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
✔ Simple ingredients – No fancy tools or special flour required.
✔ Perfectly chewy and crispy crust – Just like your favorite pizzeria.
✔ Versatile – Works for thin-crust, deep-dish, Neapolitan, and pan pizzas.
✔ Can be made ahead – Refrigerate or freeze for later use.
✔ Better than store-bought – No preservatives, just fresh homemade goodness!
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