Pizza dough stretched into a round circle and pricked with a fork on a wooden pizza peel.
Are you tired of store-bought pizza dough that just doesn't hit the mark? Look no further! Making your own pizza dough is not only easy, but it's also cost-effective and incredibly delicious. Whether you prefer a thin or thick crust, or even calzones, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, you can use it in a pizza oven, a regular oven, an air fryer, or even cook it on the grill! So let's dive into the details of crafting the perfect pizza dough.
Why we love this Pizza Dough:
- Easy - With just a few minutes of kneading, you're on your way to pizza perfection. You can use a mixer or knead by hand, and the little bit of effort is so worth it.
- Versatile - This dough is incredibly versatile. You can use it for all of your pizza creations, whether you're cooking them in an oven, on a pizza stone, or making grilled pizza.
- Perfect texture and flavor - After plenty of trial and error, we can confidently say that this is the ultimate pizza dough recipe. It will make your homemade pizzas a hit every time.
How to Make Pizza Dough:
Mix Dough: Start by stirring yeast with warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to proof. It should get foamy on top, indicating that it's active. Add the yeast mixture to a mixing bowl along with the remaining water, salt, vinegar, and olive oil. Gradually add the flour while kneading the dough for about 7 minutes on a medium-low speed.
Two images showing yeast proofing in a glass pyrex measuring cup, then dough being mixed in a Bosch mixer.
Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a dry kitchen towel, and allow it to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Once it has risen, divide the dough into 2-3 equal portions.
Two images with a stainless steel bowl filled with pizza dough, then the dough separated into two balls for the best pizza dough recipe.
Roll into Circle: Lightly spray your work surface with cooking spray or dust it with flour. Use a rolling pin or your hands to roll and stretch the dough to your desired size.
Hands stretching pizza dough into a circle shape, then the easy pizza dough pricked with a fork.
To ensure the dough doesn't stick, sprinkle a little cornmeal and flour on a pizza peel and place the rolled-out dough on top. The cornmeal will help the dough slide onto a pizza stone, grill, or into a pizza oven. Don't worry if you don't have a pizza peel; you can place the pizza crust on a piece of parchment paper instead.
Pizza dough being pre-baked on a wooden pizza peel, then a finished pepperoni pizza ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips:
- Pre-Bake the Dough: If you're baking the pizza in the oven, it's recommended to pre-bake the dough for 4-5 minutes before adding toppings. This ensures that the pizza dough cooks crisp on the outside and soft and airy in the middle.
- The Flour: While the recipe calls for bread flour, all-purpose flour works perfectly fine. Feel free to experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat, for added flavor and texture.
- Flavor the Dough: If you'd like to spice up your pizza dough, add a few dashes of garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano for a burst of flavor.
Make Ahead And Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance by mixing it and placing it in a large greased bowl with a tight lid. Refrigerate it for several hours or even overnight. Before using, let it come to room temperature so it's easy to roll out. Alternatively, you can roll out the dough, add the toppings, and store it in the fridge for a take-and-bake style pizza.
To Freeze: Once the dough is mixed, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in a greased bowl, covered, in the fridge for about 24 hours. Then, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also freeze the pre-baked dough, with or without toppings.
Use the dough for any of these Pizza Recipes:
- Calzones
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Grilled Pizza
- Cheeseburger Pizza
- Pesto Veggie Pizza
- Chicken Alfredo Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Air Fryer Pizza
- Thai Chicken Pizza
- White Pizza
Adapted from All recipes.
Originally shared in March 2013. Updated in March 2020 and June 2023.
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Now you're armed with the knowledge to create your very own perfect pizza dough. Get ready to impress your family and friends with delicious homemade pizzas that are sure to become a favorite. Happy pizza making!
