Pizza Dough Recipe

Perfect Homemade Pizza Dough

Making your own pizza dough from scratch is easier than you might think—and the result is a delicious, chewy crust that’s perfect for any topping you love. This simple recipe uses just a few basic ingredients and yields enough dough for one large pizza or two smaller ones.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   Start by pouring the warm water into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the sugar and yeast to the water, then stir gently to combine. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes foamy and bubbly on the surface—this means the yeast is alive and active.

2. Make the Dough:
   Once the yeast is activated, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough begins to form.

3. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8–10 minutes, using the heels of your hands to push it away from you, then folding it back over itself. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour; if too dry, add a few drops of water.

4. Let It Rise:
   Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once so it’s coated with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Prepare for Baking:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times. Shape the dough into a ball, then let it rest for 10–15 minutes before rolling it out. This resting period makes the dough easier to stretch.

6. Roll and Top:
   Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a pizza stone dusted with cornmeal. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.

7. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, try mixing in dried herbs like oregano or basil into the dough.

• You can make the dough ahead of time—just store it in the refrigerator after the first rise, and use it within 24 hours.

• Leftover dough can be frozen: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.