Easy pizza dough recipe

Easy pizza dough recipe lovers, this one’s for you. If you’ve been intimidated by homemade dough, don’t be. This recipe uses just 6 basic pantry ingredients and creates a soft, chewy, golden crust every time. No fancy tools required — just a bowl, a little patience, and a big appetite for pizza night success.

Whether you’re a total beginner or a homemade pizza pro, this dough is simple, forgiving, and endlessly versatile. Roll it, stretch it, top it however you like — it’ll handle it all beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• ✅ Beginner-friendly: No kneading machines required
• ✅ Crispy-chewy texture: Golden edges with a tender center
• ✅ 6 pantry ingredients: You already have them at home
• ✅ Make-ahead & freezer friendly
• ✅ Works for any pizza style — classic, veggie, deep dish, or thin crust

Ingredients

• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1½ teaspoons sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
• 1 packet (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat, see tips)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes, until foamy.
2. Mix the dough:
   In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead until smooth:
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead by hand for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if too sticky.
4. Let it rise:
   Grease a large bowl with remaining olive oil. Place dough inside, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough:
   Punch it down gently and shape into a 14-inch circle or oval. Use hands or a rolling pin. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted pan.
6. Top and bake:
   Add your favorite toppings and bake in a preheated oven at 500°F for 10–13 minutes, until crust is golden and edges are crisp.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 27 minutes
• Servings: Makes 1 large pizza (serves 3–4)

Tips & Variations

• Flour options: Try half whole wheat for added fiber and nuttiness. Avoid 100% whole wheat unless you want a denser crust.
• Make ahead: Let dough rise, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let come to room temp before shaping.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze after first rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let warm up before baking.
• Add herbs: Mix in garlic powder, oregano, or chili flakes into the dough for extra flavor.
• No yeast? Substitute with 2 tsp baking powder + more water and skip rise time. Texture will be more bread-like.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes — you can skip proofing. Just mix directly with flour and water.

What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
Use a regular baking sheet or cast iron pan. Dust with cornmeal to prevent sticking and help crisp the bottom.

Why isn’t my dough rising?
Check water temperature and yeast freshness. Yeast should foam during proofing. If not, start over with fresh yeast.

How long can I store leftover dough?
In the fridge: up to 2 days. In the freezer: up to 3 months, wrapped tightly.

Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

This easy pizza dough recipe uses just 6 pantry ingredients to make a chewy, golden crust perfect for any homemade pizza.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 181

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – ¾ cup warm water
• – 1½ tsp sugar or honey
• – 1 ¼ oz packet active dry yeast
• – 2 cups all-purpose flour
• – 1 tsp sea salt
• – 1 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• – Dough scraper or spatula
• – Rolling pin (optional)
• – Baking sheet or pizza stone

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5–7 min).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and 1 tbsp oil. Stir to form dough.
3. Knead on floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
4. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1 hour).
5. Shape dough into 14-inch round or oval. Transfer to prepared pan.
6. Add toppings. Bake at 500°F for 10–13 minutes until golden.

Notes

– Store leftover dough in fridge up to 2 days or freeze for 3 months
– Add herbs or garlic to dough for extra flavor
– Let cold dough rest at room temp for 30–60 min before using

Conclusion

This easy pizza dough recipe is everything a homemade crust should be: soft, chewy, crisp at the edges, and incredibly simple to make. No stress, no fuss — just delicious pizza that tastes like it came from your favorite pizzeria. Once you try it, it’ll become a weekly favorite!