It’s no secret that I LOVE pizza! Â Today I’m sharing with you my favorite Pizza Dough Recipe.
The key to every good pizza is the CRUST! Â I like it a little chewy and crispy at the same time. Â What I like about this pizza dough recipe is that if you use half of the dough for a 10-inch pizza, it yields a little thicker crust.
If you prefer thinner and crispier crust, use it for a 12-inch pizza. Â Bake two pizzas or save the other half of the dough for another time.
Oh how I adore the smell of pizza baking at home! Â Although I don’t mind using store-bought dough or naan bread for pizza, there’s just nothing like making your own homemade dough.
I like lots of veggies on my pizza, but by the time I buy a package of mushrooms, a can of black olives, a whole green pepper, a whole onion, etc… there’s always some left over because I don’t use it all on the pizza.
I learned that by buying just enough veggies and meat at my grocery store’s salad bar, everything is already sliced and nothing goes to waste. Â This container was around $3.50 and was enough for TWO 10-inch pizzas!
There’s no need to be overwhelmed at making your own crust. Â The main problem I’ve ever had is using bad yeast. Â Once I mixed the yeast with warm water and sugar, it never got frothy on top. Â I used it anyway and my dough didn’t rise.
Therefore, if your yeast, sugar and warm water (it has to be 110 degrees F) doesn’t get foamy or frothy after about 10 minutes, don’t even try wasting flour with it… it won’t work.
You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months by coating the dough ball with olive oil and wrapping it tightly in a resealable bag. Allow to defrost and come to room temperature before using.
If you’re looking for pizza inspiration, be sure to check out all of my pizza recipes and easy homemade pizza sauce. Enjoy!
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Pizza Dough Recipe for the Best Pizza Crust
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 mins
- Yield: 2 crusts
Description
Crispy and chewy pizza crust from your own homemade dough is so easy to make at right at home!
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (bread flour)
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups water at 110 degrees F
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the 110 degree F water. Stir to combine. Let stand for approximately 10 minutes or until foamy or frothy on top.
- Once the yeast mixture is foamy, pour into flour bowl and add olive oil. Stir by hand until dough forms a ball, or use a hook attachment on mixer on low speed for approximately 1 minute.
- Place dough ball on a lightly floured work surface and knead approximately 4 to 5 minutes, or until dough is smooth.
- Coat a large bowl with olive oil. Place dough ball in bowl and cover with plastic wrap or hand towel. Place in a warm area free of drafts and allow to rise (about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size).
- Divide dough in half.
- When ready to use, preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Spread dough onto a lightly greased 10 or 12 inch pizza pan. Top with desired amount of sauce, cheese and toppings.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Breads
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: homemade pizza dough
 
As a long-time pizza lover, I’ve tried other crust recipes that just didn’t quite make the mark. Yours did! Your ingredients make a smooth, elastic pizza dough and your directions are very clear and concise. I especially like having an extra crust in the freezer waiting for us when the mood strikes. Only thing I did differently is I used the “Dough” cycle on my Zoji breadmaker – the one that makes a 3 lb. bread loaf. Dough was very forgiving, as I couldn’t get to it right away. Also, I used my French rolling pin to roll it out evenly. I made the 10 inch size and (as you said), crust was thicker. Next time I will roll it out to 12 inches, as my husband is a “thin crust man.” Will occasionally use additions as suggested by other posters. Thanks again, so much.
★★★★★
Thank you so much, Doreene and thank you for the 5 star review. I’m so glad you have enjoyed it! 🙂
This was absolutely delicious. Definitely a new family favorite.
★★★★★
Thanks so much, Eric… happy to hear everyone enjoyed it! 🙂
My favorite recipe bar none, and I’ve tried many. Easily adaptable, too. Add parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic butter… the options are endless. Works great for cheesy breadsticks, as well.
★★★★★
Thanks, Naomi! Your additions sound absolutely delicious! 🙂
Great recipe!!! Glad i found it and it will be a family recipe from here on out. Kids and hubby loved it. So so so simple to do. Thank you, keep the great recipes coming!
Side note: i also use this as bread sticks. Same as a pizza but just cut it into strips. Slather in garlic butter and sprinkle parm on it after you take them out of the oven and you’ve got Little Caeser bread sticks…
Huggles from The Session family
Thanks so much, Gayle. So glad you enjoyed it. Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving!
I just ordered pizzas lol … now I feel guilty.. I do make my own dough sometimes, I’ll try yours!
Thanks, hope you enjoy it!