Make Pizza Dough at Home Easily
Making pizza at home can be a rewarding way to enjoy a classic favorite tailored to your taste. This easy homemade pizza dough gives you a reliable base for all types of toppings, ready in a fraction of the time of delivery.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm Water
- 1 Package Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tsp White Sugar
- 2 ½ cup Bread Flour
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, pour in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the water and give it a gentle stir. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You'll know the yeast is active when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. If you don't see this activity, your yeast may be expired, and you should start over with a fresh packet.
- Once the yeast is foamy, add the olive oil, salt, and 2 ½ cups of bread flour to the bowl. Stir with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough begins to form.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes. To knead, push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then fold it over, give it a quarter turn, and repeat. The dough is ready when it's smooth, elastic, and springs back when you poke it gently. If it's too sticky during kneading, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Lightly oil the inside of your mixing bowl and place the ball of dough inside. Turn it over once to coat the top with oil, which prevents a dry "skin" from forming. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. A good spot is inside an oven with the light on (but the heat off).
- Once the dough has doubled, gently press down on it to release the trapped air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it in half to make two pizza bases.Let the dough balls rest for 10 minutes. This step, called "relaxing the dough," makes it much easier to roll or stretch without it shrinking back.Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically 475-500°F (245-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.Roll or stretch each dough ball to your desired thickness. Place it on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel. Add your favorite sauce and toppings, then slide the pizza (with the parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Tips for Success
Weigh Your Flour: For the most accurate results, use a kitchen scale to measure your flour.
Don't Rush the Rise: Giving the dough the full time to rise is key to developing its flavor and texture.
Hot Oven is Key: A very hot oven helps create a crispy crust and mimics a professional pizza oven.
Go Easy on Toppings: Overloading your pizza can lead to a soggy crust.
For a Crispier Crust: Use a preheated pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet. The direct, intense heat helps crisp up the bottom.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!