This Homemade Pizza Dough recipe is perfect for making your own pizza crust from scratch! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a soft, chewy, and delicious crust that’s ideal for any of your favorite toppings. Whether you’re preparing a classic Margherita or something more adventurous, this dough is the perfect base for your pizza night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza dough is easy to make and produces a fantastic texture—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Using instant or active dry yeast gives it a perfect rise, while the flour provides a tender crumb. It’s a quick, reliable, and affordable way to enjoy homemade pizza with a crust that’s far superior to store-bought.

Artisan Bread Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups (395 grams) all-purpose flour or bread flour
½ tablespoon kosher salt
¼ ounce instant or active dry yeast packet (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 ½ cups warm water (105°F)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this step and mix it directly with the flour.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and kosher salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients:

Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.

4. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 6-8 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky. It should be soft but not overly tacky.

5. Let the Dough Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Shape the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll or stretch it into your desired pizza shape (round or rectangular).

7. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) while you prepare the pizza. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s preheating.

8. Add Toppings:

Once the dough is shaped, transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.

9. Bake:

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If you’re using a pizza stone, the cooking time may be a little shorter, so keep an eye on it.

10. Serve:

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes one large pizza (about 12 inches in diameter).

Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 1-1.5 hours
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Herbed Pizza Dough: Add dried oregano, basil, or garlic powder to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
Garlic Pizza Dough: Add minced garlic or garlic powder into the dough for a savory twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough after the first rise by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat leftover pizza, place it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if bread flour is unavailable. The crust will still be delicious, though bread flour results in a slightly chewier texture.

Can I use a stand mixer instead of kneading by hand?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. Mix the dough on low speed for about 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

What if the dough doesn’t rise?

If the dough doesn’t rise after 1 ½ hours, it could be that the yeast wasn’t activated properly. Check the temperature of your water to ensure it wasn’t too hot, and make sure you’re using fresh yeast.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Conclusion

This Homemade Pizza Dough is simple to make, yet produces an incredibly tasty crust with the perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures. Whether you’re making a classic pizza or trying out new toppings, this dough provides the perfect foundation. Homemade pizza has never been easier or more delicious!