Unlock the secret to pizza perfection with our foolproof Pizza Dough recipe. Say goodbye to store-bought dough and hello to homemade deliciousness every time! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be on your way to crafting the perfect pizza crust in no time. Whether you prefer thin and crispy or thick and chewy, this recipe has you covered. Let’s get into how to make homemade pizza dough.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well of the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or mix on low speed if using a stand mixer, until a shaggy dough forms.
- Once the dough comes together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. Alternatively, knead the dough in the stand mixer on medium-low speed for the same amount of time. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into desired portions for your pizzas. This recipe typically makes enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 500°F/260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Add your favorite pizza toppings to the rolled-out dough, leaving a border around the edges for the crust.
- Carefully slide the parchment paper with the topped pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are bubbly and cooked to your liking. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Repeat the process with any remaining portions of dough, or wrap the extra dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy your homemade pizza with a perfect crust every time! Serve it hot and fresh out of the oven, and savor the deliciousness of your homemade creation.
