Transform your kitchen into a pizzeria with this incredible easy pizza dough recipe! There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of fresh, homemade pizza. This recipe simplifies the process, delivering a delicious crust without complicated steps. You can whip up a fantastic pizza in record time, even skipping the traditional rise for a quick meal. Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor, making this perfect for busy weeknights or fun family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

This easy pizza dough recipe will quickly become a family favorite for many reasons:

Fast: Enjoy freshly baked pizza in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Simple: It requires only 5 basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Versatile: This dough provides the perfect canvas for any of your favorite toppings.
Delicious: Achieve that coveted restaurant-quality crust right in your own home.
Budget-Friendly: Making pizza at home is significantly cheaper than ordering takeout.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic homemade crust. This easy pizza dough recipe uses pantry staples, ensuring a fresh and flavorful base every time.

1 cup warm water (105 degrees F)
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 to 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour*
1 tsp fine sea salt

Notes & Substitutions

Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this simple pizza dough. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You can also experiment with half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of flavor. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and elasticity. According to Spice Electronics, olive oil improves dough elasticity and workability making it easier to stretch and handle. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado or canola oil work well as alternatives.
Flavor Boosts: Enhance your homemade pizza dough by adding a teaspoon of garlic powder, dried oregano, or basil to the dry flour mixture.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this simple pizza dough. Just a few basic kitchen items will do the trick:

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
Rolling pin
Pizza stone or baking sheet
Pizza peel (optional, but very helpful)
Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create your perfect easy pizza dough recipe. This no-fuss method makes homemade pizza accessible to everyone.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). Put a pizza stone in the oven while it preheats, and let it warm at 500 degrees F for at least 10 minutes. This preheating ensures a crispy crust for your homemade pizza.
Step 2: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Make sure your water is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
Step 3: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbles form. This indicates your yeast is active and ready to work.
Step 4: Gently stir in the olive oil. This adds flavor and helps with the dough’s texture.
Step 5: Add 2 cups of flour and salt and mix with a spatula until a ball begins to form. The dough will still be slightly sticky at this point. Add more flour as needed to form a manageable dough ball.
Step 6: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it into a smooth dough, adding up to ½ cup extra flour if needed. Kneading helps develop the gluten, making this easy pizza dough recipe pliable.
Step 7: Optional. If desired, cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and let it rise for 10 minutes or up to 1 hour. This step results in a fluffier, airier crust.
Step 8: Roll the dough into your desired shape and thickness directly on a piece of parchment paper. This makes transferring it much easier.
Step 9: Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings onto the rolled-out dough. Be careful not to overload it.
Step 10: Use a pizza peel to carefully transfer the pizza (still on the parchment paper) to the preheated pizza stone in the oven.
Step 11: Bake on the preheated pizza stone for 11-14 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it as ovens vary.
Step 12: Remove the pizza from the oven with the pizza peel and put it on a wire rack to cool for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting period helps the cheese set and prevents burns.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results with your homemade pizza dough by keeping these tips in mind.

Yeast Activation: Always check your water temperature. Water that’s too hot kills the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it. Aim for 105°F (40°C). King Arthur Baking emphasizes that instant yeast works more quickly than active dry yeast for faster rising.
Dough Consistency: Resist the urge to add too much flour during kneading. A slightly tacky dough makes a tender crust. Over-flouring can lead to a dry, tough pizza.
Preventing Bubbles: If large bubbles form while baking, gently prick them with a fork to release the air. This ensures an even, flat surface.
Crispy Crust: A preheated pizza stone is your secret weapon for a wonderfully crispy bottom crust. It mimics a professional pizza oven.
Topping Strategy: For the best melt and flavor, layer some cheese directly on the sauce, then add your toppings, and finish with a bit more cheese.
Watch Carefully: Pizza cooks quickly at high temperatures. Stay near your oven and check frequently, as baking times can vary.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Enjoy your delicious homemade pizza with these ideas for serving, storage, and creative twists.

Serving Suggestions: Pair your fresh pizza with a crisp side salad, like a simple mixed green salad or a vibrant burrata salad, for a balanced meal.
Personal Pizzas: Divide the dough into smaller portions for individual pizzas. This is a fun activity for families, allowing everyone to customize their own.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate it in an oiled, covered bowl overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling.
Freezing Raw Dough: Wrap portions of raw dough tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Freezing Par-Baked Crust: Partially bake your rolled-out crust for about 5-7 minutes until lightly set. Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze.
Freezing Assembled Pizza: Assemble your pizza, then flash freeze it on a baking sheet until solid. Wrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations: Experiment with different flours for your pizza base, such as whole wheat for a hearty taste. Infuse the dough with dried herbs like rosemary or basil. Adjust the thickness for a thin, crisp crust or a thick, chewy one.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the nutritional values provided are estimates based on the ingredients used for the crust only. They do not account for toppings or variations. Individual results may vary depending on specific brands and preparations. This data is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.

Serving Size	1 Serving (Crust only)
Calories	67 kcal
Carbohydrate Content	12 g
Protein Content	2 g
Fat Content	1.2 g
Saturated Fat Content	0.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.8 g
Sodium Content	177 mg
Potassium Content	20 mg
Fiber Content	0.5 g
Sugar Content	1 g
Calcium Content	1 mg
Iron Content	0.1 mg

FAQ

Here are answers to some common questions about this simple pizza dough.

Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can easily double this easy pizza dough recipe to make two pizzas or one very large one. Simply scale all ingredients proportionately.
Can I let the dough rise for a thicker crust? Absolutely! Allowing the dough to rise for 10 minutes to an hour will give you a fluffier, thicker crust. This step is optional but recommended for a chewier texture.
Can I make this dough the night before? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Store it in an oiled, airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling.
What happens if bubbles form in my dough? Don’t worry if bubbles appear during baking. Simply prick them with a fork to release the air, preventing uneven cooking or excessively large pockets.
Can I freeze this pizza dough? Yes, this pizza dough freezes wonderfully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone? A heavy-duty baking sheet, inverted and preheated in the oven, works as a great substitute for a pizza stone. You can also use a cast iron pan.

Conclusion

This easy pizza dough recipe proves that making delicious homemade pizza doesn’t have to be daunting. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can achieve a truly satisfying meal that surpasses takeout. The speed and simplicity of this recipe mean fresh pizza is always within reach, perfect for any occasion. Don’t wait; gather your ingredients and start your pizza-making adventure today. We know you’ll love the results! Share your creations and tag us with your favorite toppings in the comments below!

Print Recipe