If you’ve ever craved the perfect pizza dough, one that’s crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, you’ve come to the right place! This homemade pizza dough recipe requires just 5 simple ingredients, and it’s ready in 90 minutes. Whether you’re making Neapolitan, New York-style, or sheet-pan pizza, this dough is your go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: Just a bowl and your hands are all you need to make this dough.
- Crispy & Chewy: The dough delivers the perfect texture every time—crispy on the edges and chewy in the center.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for a future pizza night—just defrost and bake!
- AdSense Goldmine: “Easy pizza dough” and “homemade pizza” are high-traffic search terms, making this a popular recipe for everyone!
Ingredients (Makes 2 Medium Pizzas)
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
- 1 ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (~110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar or honey, and instant yeast. Stir gently to mix, and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. The yeast should become foamy and bubbly, indicating it’s activated and ready to use.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, creating a small “pool” for the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well in the flour. Stir with a spoon or your hands until the dough begins to come together.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. You can also knead the dough in the bowl if you prefer to keep things a bit cleaner—just be sure to scrape any sticky dough off the sides.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 60 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch Down and Divide
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas (or keep it whole for one larger pizza).
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Take one portion of dough and begin stretching it with your hands or rolling it out on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. If you prefer a thick crust, keep it a bit thicker; for a thin, crispy crust, roll it out more.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
While shaping the dough, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or as high as it will go. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
Step 9: Add Toppings and Bake
Transfer the shaped dough onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet. Add your desired toppings, whether it’s tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, or meats. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once your pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven, slice, and enjoy your homemade pizza!
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Freezing the Dough: If you want to make dough ahead of time, you can freeze it after it rises. Simply punch the dough down, divide it into portions, and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, defrost in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a couple of hours.
- Storing Leftover Pizza: If you have leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes to crisp the crust.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Pizza Dough recipe is foolproof and perfect for any pizza craving. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Margherita or a loaded veggie pie, this dough will make your homemade pizza taste like it’s straight from your favorite pizzeria. Enjoy experimenting with toppings, sauces, and cheeses to create your perfect pizza every time!
