Homemade pizza dough is the foundation of a delicious, crisp yet chewy pizza that rivals any pizzeria. Making pizza dough from scratch is easier than you might think and allows you to customize your crust to your liking—whether you prefer it thin and crispy or soft and chewy. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a dough that’s perfect for family pizza nights, parties, or anytime you’re craving homemade pizza. This versatile dough can be topped with your favorite ingredients and bakes up beautifully for a fresh, delicious pizza right from your oven.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Top your pizza dough with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
This homemade pizza dough is easy to make, customizable, and delivers a perfectly crisp and chewy crust that will elevate your pizza nights!
