Description
This Homemade Pizza Dough recipe yields a soft, chewy crust perfect for creating delicious homemade pizzas. Made with simple pantry staples and yeast, it’s easy to prepare and bakes into a golden, crispy base ready for all your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture stand for 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Form the dough: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir until a rough dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare for baking: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough as needed depending on your pizza size preference.
- Roll out and top: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into your desired pizza shape and thickness. Add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Bake the pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- This recipe makes enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas.
- You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before using it.
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven before baking.
- If the dough is sticky during kneading, add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the dough tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
