Homemade Pizza & Dough Recipe

Homemade pizza is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re whipping up a casual Friday night dinner or throwing a make-your-own-pizza party, nothing beats the aroma of bubbling cheese and golden crust straight from your own oven. With a fail-proof dough recipe, customizable toppings, and pro tips for a crispy base, this is your go-to guide for pizza night perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pizza

this recipe

• 🍕 Tastes better than takeout — Chewy crust, golden edges, and fresh toppings
• 💡 Customizable — Choose your own sauce, cheese, and toppings
• 🕓 Make ahead — Freeze dough for quick weeknight dinners
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun to make with kids or friends
• 🔥 Crispy crust guaranteed with the right flour and baking method
• 💰 Budget-friendly — One batch makes two pizzas for less than delivery!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough (makes two 10–12” crusts):

• 1½ cups warm water (105°F–115°F)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3¾ cups bread flour (490g), plus extra for dusting
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp sugar

For the Pizza:

• ⅓ cup tomato sauce per pizza (smooth or pureed)
• 1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella
• Optional cheeses: parmesan, fontina, feta
• Optional toppings: mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, pepperoni, sausage, arugula, basil, pesto

Instructions

1. Proof the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon or paddle attachment. Switch to a dough hook (or knead by hand) for 7–10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise:

• Quick rise: 1½ hours in a warm place
• Cold ferment: 24–48 hours in the fridge (better flavor!)

4. Prepare the Oven

Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the lower oven rack. Preheat to 475°F for at least 30 minutes.

5. Divide & Shape

Divide dough into 2 balls. On a floured surface, stretch each into a 10–12” circle. Let rest for 5–10 minutes.

6. Top Your Pizza

Transfer dough to a pizza peel or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush edges with olive oil. Add sauce, cheese, and desired toppings. Don’t overload.

7. Bake

Slide pizza onto the hot stone. Bake 10–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rise time)
• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours (or overnight)
• Servings: 2 pizzas (serves 4–6)
• Skill Level: Intermediate

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1/4 of a pizza)

• Calories: ~322
• Carbs: 61g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Based on dough only. Toppings vary.

Tips & Variations

• 🔥 Use bread flour: It has more gluten for that chewy, crispy crust
• ❄️ Freeze dough: After rising, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge
• 🧄 Flavor boosters: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs to the dough
• 🧀 Cheese options: Try part-skim mozzarella for stretch or fresh mozzarella for richness
• 🥦 Precook toppings: Sauté mushrooms, onions, or meats so they don’t release water during baking
• 🧸 Make it kid-friendly: Let kids stretch their own dough and add toppings!

Homemade Pizza & Pizza Dough

This easy homemade pizza recipe includes a foolproof dough and flexible topping options. Perfectly crisp, chewy, and customizable for any pizza night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1½ cups warm water
• – 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• – 3¾ cups bread flour
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 2 tsp kosher salt
• – 1 tsp sugar
• **Toppings:**
• – Tomato sauce
• – Mozzarella cheese
• – Olive oil
• – Cornmeal for baking tray
• – Optional: sausage veggies, olives, herbs, pesto, etc.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer (optional)
• – Pizza stone or baking tray
• – Pizza peel or spatula
• – Rolling pin (optional)

Method

 

1. Combine water and yeast. Let foam.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, and oil. Mix and knead for 7–10 minutes.
3. Let dough rise: quick (1.5 hrs), standard (8 hrs), or overnight (24–48 hrs).
4. Preheat oven and pizza stone to 475°F for 30+ minutes.
5. Divide dough, shape into 10–12″ rounds.
6. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
7. Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

– Use bread flour for chewier crust
– Freeze dough after rise for future use
– Avoid overloading with toppings for best results

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour gives a better texture. If using all-purpose, reduce the water slightly.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may be expired or the water too hot/cold. Always proof the yeast to test it.

Do I need a pizza stone?
It helps, but you can use an inverted baking sheet or cast iron pan instead.

What if I want thin crust?
Roll the dough thinner and reduce bake time by a few minutes. Watch closely!

Conclusion

This homemade pizza recipe is your secret weapon for pizza night done right. With a simple dough base, endless topping combinations, and easy make-ahead options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Ready to ditch delivery? Fire up your oven and make magic from scratch tonight!