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The Best Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

This is a classic and foolproof pizza dough recipe that yields a soft, chewy crust with a perfect balance of crispiness. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, olive oil, and warm water, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for homemade pizza nights. The dough rises quickly within an hour and bakes beautifully at a high temperature to achieve that authentic pizzeria-style crust.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 22 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour OR bread flour (250-295g), divided
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and/or dried basil leaves (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for brushing)
  • ¾ cup warm water (175ml)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (125g) of the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and if using, garlic powder and dried basil. Mix well to incorporate all dry ingredients evenly.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the olive oil and warm water. Using a wooden spoon, stir thoroughly to combine into a wet mixture.
  3. Incorporate Remaining Flour: Gradually add another cup (125g) of flour while stirring. Add additional flour (up to another ⅓ cup) as needed until the dough comes together into a cohesive, elastic ball that pulls away from the sides but remains slightly sticky.
  4. Prepare Bowl for Rising: Drizzle a separate large clean bowl with olive oil and brush the sides liberally. This will prevent sticking during rising.
  5. Shape Dough Ball: Lightly dust your hands with flour and form the dough into a round ball. Place it in the prepared bowl and roll it around to coat evenly with olive oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
  6. First Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (215°C) if you plan to bake immediately after rising.
  7. Deflate and Knead: Once risen, gently deflate the dough with your hands and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly about 3-5 times until smooth.
  8. Shape Dough: Use your hands or a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12-inch circle shape.
  9. Prepare Pizza Pan: Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined pizza pan. Pinch or fold the edges to create a crust around the pizza.
  10. Brush with Olive Oil: Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil over the top and use a pastry brush to spread evenly across the surface and crust.
  11. Dock the Dough: Use a fork to poke holes all over the center of the dough to prevent bubbles from forming during baking.
  12. Add Toppings and Bake: Add your favorite pizza toppings. Bake in the preheated 425°F (215°C) oven for 13-15 minutes or until the toppings are golden brown and the crust is crisp. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Optional garlic powder and dried basil add flavor directly into the dough for a herby twist.
  • Adjust flour quantity as needed depending on humidity and flour type to get the right dough consistency.
  • For best results, use bread flour for chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a lighter crust.
  • Preheating the oven before baking ensures a crisp bottom crust.
  • Pinching or folding the edges makes a nice crust border to hold toppings.
  • Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for proper yeast activation.
  • To make your own sauce quickly, consider a simple blend of canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.