Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe: Perfectly Soft and Chewy Every Time
There’s nothing like the smell of fresh pizza baking in the oven, and it all starts with the dough. This easy pizza dough recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It’s soft, chewy, and holds up well with all your favorite toppings. Whether you're making a classic margherita, a veggie-loaded pie, or a pepperoni masterpiece, this dough will be the foundation of your perfect pizza.
➡ Why This Pizza Dough Recipe Works
Simple Ingredients: You only need a few basic pantry staples.
No Kneading Required: This recipe is easy, with minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Perfect Texture: Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside—just like the best pizzeria pizza.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
➡ How to Make Pizza Dough
1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t bubble, it may be expired—start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Mix the Dough: Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the well in the flour along with the olive oil. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until it forms a dough.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
5. Let It Rise: Lightly oil another bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
7. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions (for two pizzas), or leave it whole for a large pizza. Roll out each portion into your desired shape and thickness.
8. Add Your Toppings: Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.
9. Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
➡ Tips for Perfect Pizza Dough:
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried herbs like oregano or basil to the flour for extra flavor.
Cold Rise: For more flavor, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after it rises, letting it slowly ferment in the fridge.
Use a Pizza Stone: If you want a more authentic, crispy crust, bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
Thin or Thick Crust: Adjust the thickness of the dough by rolling it out thinner for a crispy crust or thicker for a chewier bite.
Enjoy this homemade pizza dough as the base for your favorite pizzas, and impress your family and friends with a pizzeria-worthy pie right from your own kitchen!
