Introduction

This classic pizza dough recipe is simple, reliable, and perfect for homemade pizzas. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a soft, chewy crust that holds up beautifully to your favorite toppings. It’s easy enough for beginners and versatile for all pizza styles.

The image shows a smooth, round dough ball resting on a white marbled surface dusted with flour. The dough is pale beige with a slightly wrinkled texture on top, sitting flat in the center of the frame. Around it, scattered flour adds a soft white powdery detail. In the background, there is a blurred shiny metal sifter filled with flour and a partially visible blue glass bowl, creating a baking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2-2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour (250-295g), divided
1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 ½ teaspoons sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
⅛-¼ teaspoon garlic powder and/or dried basil leaves (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing
¾ cup warm water (175ml)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (125g) of flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and optional garlic powder or dried basil.
Step 2: Add olive oil and warm water. Stir well with a wooden spoon until mixed.
Step 3: Gradually add another 1 cup (125g) of flour. If needed, add up to an additional ⅓ cup flour, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive, elastic ball and starts pulling away from the bowl. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Drizzle a clean, large bowl generously with olive oil and brush it along the sides.
Step 5: Lightly dust your hands with flour, shape the dough into a round ball, then place it in the oiled bowl. Roll the dough around the bowl so it’s coated in olive oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot.
Step 6: Let the dough rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 425°F (215°C) if you plan to bake the pizza immediately.
Step 7: After rising, gently deflate the dough with your hands. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth, about 3-5 times.
Step 8: Shape the dough into a 12-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
Step 9: Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined pizza pan. Pinch or fold the edges to form a crust.
Step 10: Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pizza and brush the entire surface, including the crust.
Step 11: Use a fork to poke holes all over the pizza center to prevent bubbles while baking.
Step 12: Add your favorite toppings and bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, until the toppings are golden and the crust is cooked through. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use bread flour for a chewier crust or all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Add herbs like oregano or rosemary to the flour mix for extra flavor.
If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast but activate it in warm water with sugar before mixing.
For a thinner crust, roll the dough out to a larger diameter and reduce baking time slightly.
Try topping with the 5-minute pizza sauce for quick, delicious pizza sauce.

Storage

Store unused dough in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before shaping. For longer storage, freeze the dough wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use. Reheat baked pizza slices in an oven or toaster oven for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of an uncooked pizza dough layer stretched and spread evenly on a round baking tray with a slightly raised edge. The dough is light beige with a soft and slightly bumpy texture, and it has shallow fork holes pressed into its surface to prevent puffing during baking. A woman's hand is holding a fork, pressing it into the dough near the top right corner of the tray. The scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dough without a stand mixer?

Yes! This recipe is designed for mixing and kneading by hand using a wooden spoon and your hands, making it perfect for home cooks without specialized equipment.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size, appearing puffed and soft to the touch. Depending on the temperature, this usually takes about 30 minutes in a warm place.