Save A soft, chewy, and flavorful pizza dough perfect for family pizza nights. This recipe yields a versatile base for any topping combination and bakes up golden and delicious every time.
This dough has become our family favorite for pizza night because everyone can customize their own, and it always turns out perfect and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 4 cups (500 g) bread flour (plus more for dusting), 2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet), 1½ tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp sugar
- Wet Ingredients: 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water (approx. 110°F/43°C), 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Add a little extra flour if sticky.)
- Step 4:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Step 5:
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 6:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions for large pizzas (or more for smaller pizzas).
- Step 7:
- Shape each portion into a ball. Rest for 10–15 minutes, covered.
- Step 8:
- Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Step 9:
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Top as desired and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Save Making this dough together has become a cherished family tradition, bringing everyone into the kitchen and creating memories with every batch.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, kitchen scale (optional but recommended), clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, rolling pin, baking sheet or pizza stone
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories 260 Total Fat 3.5 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 7 g per serving based on 6 servings dough only
Save This homemade pizza dough gives your family the perfect foundation for endless delicious pizza creations made with love.
Recipe FAQs
- → What flour works best for pizza dough?
Bread flour is recommended for a chewy texture due to its high gluten content, but you can substitute part with whole wheat for added flavor.
- → How long should the dough rise?
Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size, which helps develop flavor and texture.
- → Can I freeze the dough after preparing it?
Yes, freeze after the first rise. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.
- → What oven temperature is ideal for baking?
Bake at a high temperature around 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes to achieve a crisp, golden crust.
- → How can I get a crispier crust?
Use a preheated pizza stone to bake the dough, which helps produce a crisper base and evenly baked crust.
- → Is olive oil necessary in the dough?
Olive oil adds moisture and flavor, contributing to a tender crumb and enhancing the dough’s elasticity.