Homemade Pizza Dough: A Simple, Fail-Proof, and Flavorful Recipe
In this article, we'll guide you through a foolproof recipe for creating a soft, chewy, and easy-to-make pizza dough using all-purpose flour and instant yeast. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you!
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour (adjust as needed)
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- About ¾ to 1½ cups warm water (around 110°F)
- 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons sugar or honey (to feed the yeast)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
- Activate yeast (optional with instant yeast): If you prefer, you can dissolve sugar or honey in warm water, then stir in yeast and let it sit until frothy—about 5 minutes. However, instant yeast can be added directly to the flour.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, salt, and instant yeast (if adding directly) in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Add wet ingredients: Add warm water and olive oil to the dry mix. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough: Knead by hand on a floured surface or with a dough hook in a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Add flour or water in small increments if dough is too sticky or dry.
- First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape and bake: Punch down the dough, shape it on a floured surface into your desired pizza shape. Preheat your oven as hot as possible (ideally 500°F). Add toppings and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
Additional Tips
- Using instant yeast simplifies the process as it doesn’t require proofing and can be mixed directly with flour.
- The water temperature should be warm (about 110°F), not hot, to ensure yeast viability.
- Olive oil adds flavor and improves dough texture.
- Adjust flour and water amounts to get a tacky dough that isn't too sticky or dry.
This recipe delivers a chewy, flavorful pizza crust suitable for home baking without specialty flours or long waits. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can now enjoy homemade pizza that's cheaper than takeout and allows you to customize your crust just the way you like it.
Enjoy your pizza-making adventures!
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts who want to venture into food-and-drink canning can try preserving delicious homemade pizza sauces using the leftover tomato puree from their pizza night.
- To complement the homemade pizza dough recipe, discover a variety of food-and-drink recipes for unique pizza toppings, such as roasted sweet potatoes or caramelized onions, to elevate your lifestyle.
- Expand your horizons by experimenting with other home-and-garden DIY projects, using the leftover all-purpose flour from the pizza dough recipe to try your hand at canning fruits or preserving jams for diverse food-and-drink options.
