Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

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Craving delicious homemade pizza? This easy homemade pizza dough recipe uses just six simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, sugar, olive oil, and salt—to create the perfect crispy yet chewy crust. Whether you’re making a classic margharita pizza or getting creative with your toppings, this versatile pizza dough is your go-to recipe for pizza night.

Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar with 1 ¼ cups of warm water (110°F). Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbles form on the surface. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky.
5. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions (for two medium pizzas) or keep it whole for one large pizza. Roll out the dough into your desired shape and thickness, using a rolling pin or your hands.
7. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. If using a baking sheet, lightly grease it with olive oil or sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
8. Add your toppings: Transfer the rolled-out dough to your pizza stone or baking sheet. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings. Get creative with classic toppings like mozzarella and tomato sauce or try something new like pesto, arugula, or prosciutto.
9. Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
10. Cool and enjoy: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Pizza:

• Use a pizza stone: If you have a pizza stone, it helps achieve a crispy crust by distributing heat evenly.
• Let the dough rest: For a more flavorful dough, you can let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
• Thin or thick crust?: For a thinner crust, divide the dough into two portions. For a thick, chewy crust, keep the dough whole and roll it out thicker.
• Add herbs: For extra flavor, you can mix dried herbs like oregano or basil into the dough before kneading.

Why Make Pizza Dough from Scratch?

Making pizza dough from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavor. It’s fresher, free from preservatives, and you can adjust the thickness and texture of the crust to your preference. Plus, homemade pizza dough pairs perfectly with your favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings, giving you endless possibilities for pizza night.

FAQs About Homemade Pizza Dough:

• Can I freeze pizza dough? Yes! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• How long can pizza dough rise? You can let the dough rise for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a more developed flavor, or allow it to rise at room temperature for 1 to 1 ½ hours.
• Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier dough.

Conclusion

This homemade pizza dough recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh, flavorful pizza at home. With just six simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, sugar, olive oil, and salt—you can create a delicious pizza crust that’s perfect for any topping combination. Whether you prefer thin and crispy or thick and chewy, this versatile dough will become your go-to recipe for pizza night.

Click here for my garlic naan recipe.