Easy homemade pizza dough recipe

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe: Foolproof & Delicious

There’s nothing quite like biting into a slice of homemade pizza with a perfectly crispy yet chewy crust. And guess what? Making pizza dough from scratch is easier than you think! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this easy homemade pizza dough recipe guarantees success every time. With just a few pantry staples—flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil—you’ll have a versatile dough ready for your favorite toppings in under an hour (including resting time!). Plus, homemade dough is healthier than store-bought versions, free from preservatives, and customizable to dietary needs (hello, whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives!). Let’s get kneading!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No fancy tools needed – Mix by hand or with a stand mixer.
• Budget-friendly – Costs pennies compared to delivery.
• Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and store for busy nights.
• Endlessly adaptable – Perfect for thin crust, thick crust, or stuffed edges.

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
• 1 ½ tsp (7g) instant yeast (or active dry yeast* – see substitution table)
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 ½ tsp (9g) salt
• 1 tsp sugar or honey (helps activate the yeast)

Ingredient Substitutions

Ingredient	Substitution
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat flour (replace 50% for a nuttier taste)
Instant yeast	Active dry yeast (use 25% more and proof in water + sugar first)
Olive oil	Melted butter or avocado oil
Sugar/honey	Skip if preferred (yeast may take longer to activate)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast (if using active dry): Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Skip this step for instant yeast.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the yeast mixture (or water + instant yeast) and olive oil into the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes (or 3–4 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 30–60 minutes until doubled in size.
6. Shape and top: Punch down the dough, roll it out on a floured surface, and add your favorite sauce and toppings.
7. Bake: Transfer to a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Recipe Quick Facts

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Rise time: 30–60 minutes
• Cook time: 12–15 minutes
• Total time: ~1 hour
• Servings: Makes 2 medium (12-inch) pizzas

Nutritional Info (per 1/8th of dough)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
180	35g	2g	5g

Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Dough

• DO check water temperature – too hot kills yeast; too cold slows rising.
• DON’T skip kneading – this develops gluten for a chewy texture.
• DO let dough rest – even 10 extra minutes makes stretching easier.
• DON’T overload toppings – soggy crust is the enemy!
• DO freeze extras – wrap dough balls tightly; thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make pizza dough without yeast?

Yes! Swap yeast with 1 tsp baking powder + 1 tsp baking soda for a quick “flatbread” style crust. The texture will be denser but still tasty.

Why is my dough sticky?

Too much water or humid conditions can cause stickiness. Add 1 tbsp flour at a time while kneading until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky (not wet).

How long can I store pizza dough?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Thaw frozen dough in the fridge overnight before using.

Now that you’ve mastered this easy homemade pizza dough recipe, the topping possibilities are endless! Share your creations with us—tag #PerfectPizzaDough on social media. Happy baking!