Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
- wendyasmann
- Mar 12
- 5 min read
Make pizza night effortless with my easy homemade pizza dough recipe! With just three simple ingredients-flour, water, and yeast-you can whip up a delicious dough, perfect for all your favorite toppings.
There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked pizza filling your home—it’s the ultimate comfort food! When my kids were younger, we started a pizza night tradition where they could create personal pizzas using store-bought crust. They loved it so much that we made it a regular thing. Eventually, I decided to take it up a notch and make our pizza dough. This foolproof homemade pizza dough recipe is simple, requires minimal effort, and delivers perfect results every time!
Did you know you can make pizza in a cast iron skillet? It creates a delicious crust-crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Check out my Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe at the end of this post, or click the highlighted text.
Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Making homemade pizza dough is not just economical; it’s also healthier than store-bought options, which often contain preservatives. When you make your own, you can ensure every ingredient is fresh and additives-free. Let's go over some common questions about making homemade pizza dough.
What are the Basic Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough?
Basic ingredients for homemade pizza dough:
Flour- All-purpose or bread flour.
Water- Hydrates the flour and activates the yeast. Warm water (around 100-110 degrees) helps yeast ferment properly.
Yeast- Active dry yeast or instant yeast helps the dough to rise and develop texture.
Salt- Enhance flavor and helps control yeast fermentation.
Sugar- (optional) Feeds the yeast. Sugar speeds up the activation process.
Olive Oil- Prevents stickiness, making the dough easier to handle and prevents it from sticking to the counter. Olive oil also makes the dough more pliable and easier to stre
Do you need sugar for homemade pizza dough? No, you don't need sugar to make pizza dough, but it is useful to boost yeast activity. Sugar provides an immediate food source for yeast, helping it activate faster.
How long should homemade pizza dough rise? Let the pizza dough rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. For best results, place it in a warm spot, I prefer letting mine rise on the stovetop.
Why does my homemade pizza dough feel sticky? Sticky pizza dough is usually caused by one of the following reasons.
Too much hydration
If there's too much water in the dough compared to the flour, it can feel excessively sticky.
Solution: Add a little more flour (1 tablespoon at a time ) until the dough is tacky but manageable.
Not enough kneading
Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives dough structure. Sticky dough may need more kneading.
Solution: Knead the dough for at least 5-7 mins until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
What You’ll Need
Before we jump into the making process, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Ingredients:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional, but recommended for richer flavor)
Equipment:
Mixing bowl
Whisk or wooden spoon
Clean kitchen towel
Rolling pin (for shaping the dough)
Baking sheet or pizza stone
Now that your ingredients and equipment are ready, let's move on to the magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Gently stir and let it sit in a warm spot for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is crucial because it activates the yeast, ensuring your dough rises.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well blended. This ensures an even distribution of salt, amplifying the flavor of your dough!
3. Mix It Together
Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil (if using). Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to form.
4. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You'll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Let It Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is one of my favorite parts because it feels like magic watching the dough transform!
6. Preheat Your Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is essential for that crispy crust we all love. Make sure to watch the pizza closely as cooking times can vary depending on your oven and thickness of the dough.
7. Shape Your Pizza
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and transfer it back to a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions (for two pizzas) or keep it whole for one large pizza.
Shape the dough into your desired thickness using a rolling pin or your hands. Remember, the thicker the dough, the chewier the texture!
8. Add Your Favorite Toppings
This is where the fun begins! Spread a layer of pizza sauce on your dough and add your chosen toppings—from gooey cheese to pepperoni and fresh veggies. The sky is the limit!
9. Bake the Pizza
Transfer your pizza to a baking sheet or pizza stone and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Enjoy!
Once your pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then slice it up and enjoy it with your family. Trust me, after trying this easy homemade pizza dough recipe, you’ll never want to go back to takeout!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pizza Dough
Experiment with Flavors: You can mix in herbs or garlic powder into your flour for an extra flavor boost. Try basil or oregano for a traditional Italian flavor!
Resting Time: For best results, let the dough rest for a little longer than an hour if you can. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch.
Storage: If you have leftover dough, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Freezing: You can also freeze homemade pizza dough for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before using!
Making homemade pizza dough doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. With my easy homemade pizza dough recipe, you’ll find joy in making pizza night a breeze! It’s a fun way to spend time with family and comes with the added satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
So, gather your ingredients, summon your inner pizza chef, and savor the delightful experience of homemade pizza. Your family will love it—and so will you! If you're feeling energetic, check out our easy air fryer chicken wing recipe with a special buttery sauce everyone loves.
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