Homemade Pizza & Pizza Dough

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked pizza dough wafting through your kitchen. Making pizza at home isn’t just fun—it’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re looking for the perfect chewy crust or crisp-bottomed base, this homemade pizza dough recipe is your go-to guide for achieving pizzeria-quality results in your own oven.

In just a few steps, you’ll learn how to craft a flavorful, versatile dough and build your perfect pie from the bottom up. Say goodbye to delivery and hello to your new favorite pizza night tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍕 Restaurant-style crust at home – chewy, crispy, and delicious.
• 🧑‍🍳 Beginner-friendly – perfect for first-timers or seasoned home cooks.
• 🕒 Flexible timing – use it now or let it rise for deeper flavor.
• 🧂 Customizable – thick crust, thin crust, pan pizza, or grilled.
• 🍅 Endless topping options – build your perfect pie every time.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough (Makes 2 12-inch crusts):

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Pizza:

• ½ to ¾ cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)
• Cornmeal or flour (for dusting pizza peel or baking sheet)

Instructions

Make the Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
   Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead
   Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let It Rise
   Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Divide and Shape
   Punch down the dough and divide into two balls. Let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each ball into a 12-inch circle.

Assemble and Bake the Pizza:

6. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside.
7. Prepare Your Crust
   Place shaped dough on a floured pizza peel or parchment paper.
8. Add Toppings
   Spread pizza sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add desired toppings.
9. Bake
   Slide onto the preheated stone/baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
10. Serve
    Let cool for 2–3 minutes, slice, and enjoy your homemade masterpiece.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1–1.5 hours
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 2 12-inch pizzas (4–6 people)

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – Based on 8 slices per pizza)

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 310mg

Nutrition will vary depending on toppings and sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Make it ahead: After the first rise, store dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• No pizza stone? Use a preheated baking sheet or cast iron skillet for great results.
• Grill it: Roll out your dough and cook it directly on the grill for a charred, smoky crust.
• Whole wheat option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
• Flavored crust: Add dried herbs (oregano, garlic powder) to the dough for extra flavor.

Pizza Dough

This homemade pizza dough recipe makes the perfect crispy-chewy base for any pizza. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and completely customizable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 5

Course: PIZZA

Cuisine: American

Calories: 322

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **Pizza Dough:**
• – 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• – 1½ cups warm water 110°F
• – 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 2 tsp salt
• – 1 tsp sugar
• **Pizza Toppings:**
• – ½–¾ cup pizza sauce
• – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• – Desired toppings pepperoni, veggies, etc.
• – Cornmeal or flour for dusting

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• – Dough scraper or spoon
• Rolling Pin
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• – Pizza peel or parchment paper

Method

 

1. Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add oil, salt, and flour. Mix and knead until dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours.
4. Punch down dough, divide, and shape into 12-inch rounds.
5. Preheat oven to 475°F with pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
6. Assemble pizza with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

– Let dough rest longer for deeper flavor.
– Freeze extra dough for future pizza nights.
– Adjust baking time for thicker or thinner crusts.

FAQs

Can I freeze pizza dough?
Yes! After the first rise, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Do I have to use a stand mixer?
Nope! This dough comes together easily by hand with a little elbow grease.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and water temperature is between 105°F–115°F. Too hot or cold water can kill the yeast.

Can I make a thin crust pizza with this dough?
Absolutely! Roll it out thinner and bake at a slightly higher temperature (500°F) for extra crispness.

Conclusion

Once you learn how to make your own pizza dough, you’ll never look back. It’s simple, satisfying, and infinitely adaptable to your tastes. Whether you prefer a classic margherita or a fully loaded supreme, this dough is the perfect canvas for your homemade pizza dreams. Try it tonight and turn your kitchen into the best pizzeria in town.