Pizza Dough

🍕 Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe – Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside

Craving homemade pizza with a crust that’s just the right balance of chewy and crisp? This simple pizza dough recipe is a must-have for your kitchen. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s perfect for classic round pizzas, flatbreads, calzones, or even breadsticks.

Ingredients (Makes 1 medium pizza crust or 2 thin crusts)

1 teaspoon yeast (instant or active dry)
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons oil (olive oil preferred)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work.

Note: If using instant yeast, you can skip the wait and mix it directly with the flour—though blooming it first helps ensure it’s active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 7–10 minutes, until smooth, soft, and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.

Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If too dry, add a small splash of water.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Pizza

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll or stretch into your desired shape—round, rectangle, or even heart-shaped!

Place the shaped dough onto a lightly oiled pizza pan, baking sheet, or a floured pizza stone.

Step 5: Top & Bake

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Top your dough with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings (pepperoni, veggies, olives, mushrooms, etc.).

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Brush the crust edges with garlic butter before or after baking for extra flavor.
Serve with chili flakes, oregano, or dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.

Storage & Freezing

To refrigerate: Cover dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
To freeze: After the first rise, divide the dough into balls, wrap in plastic, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.