Traditional Homemade Pizza Dough

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you’ve ever dreamed of making pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria, this traditional homemade pizza dough is your ticket! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dough that’s perfectly chewy on the inside and delightfully crisp on the outside.

Ingredients for Traditional Homemade Pizza Dough

Active dry yeast is the magic ingredient that makes your dough rise, creating that airy, light texture we crave. Warm water (think bath temperature) activates the yeast, kick-starting the fermentation process. All-purpose flour provides the structure and foundation of your dough. You could use bread flour if you like a chewier crust, but all-purpose keeps it simple and accessible.

Olive oil contributes to the dough's tenderness and adds a hint of flavor. Salt is crucial for enhancing flavor and controlling yeast activity. And a touch of sugar feeds the yeast, helping it to grow and give your dough a beautiful rise.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on — it creates a nice warm environment.
  • For an extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet while the oven warms up.
  • Don't skimp on kneading; it develops the gluten, making the dough stretch and rise beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza dough is like a blank canvas. Top with classic tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a Margherita pizza. Pair with a fresh, zesty arugula salad or roasted vegetable medley for a complete meal. And don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine or a cold beer to wash it all down!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

Traditional Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe Walkthrough

Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl. The water should feel like a warm bath — not too hot, not too cold. Give it about five minutes to become frothy; this means the yeast is alive and kicking.

Next, stir in the olive oil and salt until they’re well mixed. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring as you go. This helps the dough come together smoothly.

Once it forms a soft dough, turn it onto a floured surface. Now, it’s time to knead! Push the dough away with the heel of your hand, then fold it back over itself. Repeat for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.

Place your well-kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, turning it over once to coat. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place. After about an hour, it should double in size, which is always a satisfying sight.

Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), add your favorite toppings, and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Voila! Perfect homemade pizza.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Achieves the perfect balance of chewy and crispy texture.
  • Requires only six basic ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Easy to customize to your preferred thickness and size.
  • Great for involving kids in the kitchen — they love kneading!

Ingredients

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough, then roll it out on a floured surface to fit your pizza pan or stone.
7. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and add toppings as desired before baking for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

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