This Homemade Pizza Dough recipe is the perfect base for your pizza creations. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a soft and crispy crust that will elevate any pizza night. Whether you prefer classic toppings or want to get creative, this dough will give you the perfect foundation for a delicious homemade pizza.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza dough recipe is quick, easy, and yields a wonderfully soft and chewy crust with a slight crispiness on the outside. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s the perfect dough to create a variety of pizzas. Whether you’re making a traditional margherita pizza or adding your favorite toppings, this dough will always be a hit.

Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients

For the Dough:

600g (4 cups) bread flour or pizza flour (or plain/all-purpose flour) (Note 1)
2 tsp (6g) rapid rise or instant yeast (Note 2)
2.5 tsp (15g) salt (kosher/cooking salt) (Note 3)
4 tsp (20g) white sugar
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
330 ml (1 1/3 cups) warm tap water (330g) (Note 4)

For Working:

1 tbsp extra flour (for dusting)
2 tsp extra olive oil (for greasing)

Toppings:

130g / 1 1/3 cups mozzarella cheese (freshly grated per pizza) (Note 8)
1/4 cup pizza sauce per pizza
Toppings of choice (pepperoni, vegetables, olives, etc.)

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

Directions

Making the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well in the flour. Using a spoon or your hands, stir the mixture until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
First Rise: Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Pizza:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, allow it to heat in the oven while the dough rises.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two portions (for two pizzas). Roll out each portion into your desired pizza shape (round or rectangular) using a rolling pin. If you prefer a thicker crust, leave the dough a bit thicker around the edges.
Transfer to Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. If needed, drizzle a little olive oil on the baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking.
Top the Pizza: Spread about 1/4 cup of pizza sauce on each dough base, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with the freshly grated mozzarella cheese, followed by your choice of toppings.
Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Serve: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade pizza!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 medium pizzas.

Prep time: 15 minutes (not including rise time)
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 1.5-2 hours (including rise time)

Variations

Thick or Thin Crust: For a thicker crust, leave the dough thicker when rolling it out. For a thin, crispy crust, roll it out thinner.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza flour blend to make this dough gluten-free.
Herb-Infused Dough: Add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or garlic powder to the dough for an added flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pizza dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough after the first rise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat leftover pizza slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is warm and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just be sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the flour mixture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it rest in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough after the first rise. Once frozen, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade dough.

How can I make the crust crispier?

For a crispier crust, preheat a pizza stone or use a baking sheet preheated in the oven. Also, make sure to bake the pizza at a high temperature, around 475°F (245°C).

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer—mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, or even a mix of your favorites.

Conclusion

This Homemade Pizza Dough recipe is the foundation for creating delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas right in your own kitchen. With the perfect balance of ingredients, this dough is soft, chewy, and slightly crispy on the edges, making it the ideal base for all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re making a classic margherita pizza or experimenting with new flavor combinations, this dough will give you the perfect pizza every time.