Name: Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C); 1 Tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar; 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)*; 3 and 1/2 to 4 cups (438–500g) unbleached all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; 2 Tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing; 1 teaspoon salt; sprinkle of cornmeal, for dusting the pan; extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing; 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional); 1 cup (250g) store-bought pizza sauce; 4 cups (1lb/454g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to bring pizza night home in the most rewarding way possible, look no further than this Easy Homemade Pizza Dough. There’s a real sense of magic watching simple pantry staples transform into soft, chewy dough that bakes up crisp on the outside and perfectly tender within. This recipe is a game-changer for beginners and seasoned pizza lovers alike—you get full control over your crust and endless opportunities to customize your toppings, all while filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh bread. Forget delivery; a world of homemade pizzeria bliss is just a mixing bowl away!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Easy Homemade Pizza Dough is just how humble the ingredient list is. Every item pulls its weight in terms of flavor, texture, and appearance, coming together to create a dough that’s soft, flavorful, and beautifully golden after baking.

Warm Water (1 and 1/3 cups / 320ml): Kickstarts the yeast and creates the ideal environment for a great rise and soft crumb.
Granulated Sugar (1 Tablespoon / 13g): Helps feed the yeast, making the dough rise faster, and adds a whisper of sweetness to the crust.
Instant Yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons / 7g): The backbone of any Easy Homemade Pizza Dough, ensuring a reliable rise and wonderful chewiness.
Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups / 438–500g): Creates the structure—the more you add, the sturdier your crust becomes.
Extra-virgin Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons / 30ml): Enhances flavor and lends the dough its classic supple, golden exterior.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste.
Cornmeal (sprinkle): An easy hack for that bakery-style crunch and extra flavor under the crust.
Extra-virgin Olive Oil (for brushing): Gives a subtle golden gloss and boosts flavor as the dough bakes.
Minced Garlic (2 cloves, optional): For those who love a garlicky bite—totally customizable!
Pizza Sauce (1 cup / 250g): The perfect tangy, savory base for all your favorite toppings.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (4 cups / 1lb / 454g): For that irresistibly gooey, bubbly top every pizza deserves.

How to Make Easy Homemade Pizza Dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by whisking together the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if you’re working by hand). Let this mixture rest while the yeast wakes up and starts to bubble—about five minutes. This step not only ensures a good rise, but fills your kitchen with the faintest scent of toasty bread even before you start baking.

Step 2: Bring in the Dry Ingredients

Add in your flour, olive oil, and salt. If you have a stand mixer, fit it with the dough hook and beat on medium speed for about two minutes, or until the dough starts to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If mixing by hand, stir together with a sturdy spoon or spatula until you have a shaggy, sticky dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Using your stand mixer on medium speed (or switching to hand-kneading on a floured surface), knead the dough for a full five minutes. This is where Easy Homemade Pizza Dough develops its signature stretch and chew. If the dough feels too sticky at any point, sprinkle in an extra teaspoon of flour at a time, just enough so it’s soft and tacky, not dry. When you poke it, the dough should slowly bounce back—proof that the gluten is developing just right.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl (your mixing bowl is perfect), turning it a couple of times to coat all sides lightly in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, plastic wrap, or foil, and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—usually 60 to 90 minutes. A tip from years of home baking: if your kitchen is chilly, place the covered bowl in a (turned-off) slightly warm oven for quicker, fuss-free rising.

Step 5: Prepare Pans and Preheat

Preheat your oven to a brisk 475°F (246°C), letting it heat for at least 15 to 20 minutes so the environment is perfect for baking your Easy Homemade Pizza Dough. If you have a pizza stone, let it preheat as well. Meanwhile, lightly grease your baking sheet or pizza pan with oil or nonstick spray, dust generously with cornmeal, and set aside.

Step 6: Shape Your Dough

Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and divide it in half (perfect for two pizzas or freeze one for later). On a floured surface, flatten one portion into a disc, then stretch it out gently into a 12-inch round about half an inch thick. Pinch the edges all around to form a rustic rim—this will hold all that luscious sauce and cheese in place.

Step 7: Rest, Top, and Bake

Cover the shaped dough lightly and let it rest while you prep toppings. When ready, dimple the surface with your fingertips to prevent bubbling, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with optional minced garlic for a flavor boost. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce, then pile on your mozzarella and any other toppings you love. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Pizza Dough

Garnishes

A simple brushing of olive oil over the crust gives a beautiful sheen, but don’t hesitate to shower your fresh-from-the-oven pie with a handful of chopped fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a light drizzle of honey for a gourmet touch. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few freshly grated parmesan shavings can transform your Easy Homemade Pizza Dough into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your homemade masterpiece with a crisp arugula salad, classic Caesar, or a bowl of garlicky roasted vegetables. A side of warm marinara for dipping crusts or a simple antipasto platter makes pizza night feel like an Italian trattoria experience—without ever leaving home.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your pizza into rustic wedges and pile them high on a wooden board for sharing, or cut into squares for easy party bites. Try tiny personal pizzas using this dough for a build-your-own pizza bar, or bake two rounds and layer them for a stuffed pizza adventure. The beauty of Easy Homemade Pizza Dough is its versatility—get playful with presentation and make every meal memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover pizza cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days—the crust stays wonderfully chewy, and the flavors develop even further.

Freezing

To freeze Easy Homemade Pizza Dough, simply wrap a ball of dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before shaping for best results. You can also freeze par-baked crusts or slices of baked pizza, making pizza night a snap any time.

Reheating

Warm up leftover slices in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive their crispy crust and gooey cheese—far superior to the microwave! For extra crispness, place slices directly on the rack, or heat dough rounds on a pizza stone.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water with sugar and let it foam for 5–10 minutes before continuing with the recipe. Your Easy Homemade Pizza Dough will still rise beautifully.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare your dough, let it rise, then store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before shaping for best stretch and texture.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries—this recipe is just as easy to make by hand. Mix your ingredients in a large bowl and knead by hand on a floured surface until the dough is soft and elastic.

How do I know if I’ve kneaded enough?

Test your dough with the windowpane method: gently stretch a small piece of dough—if it becomes thin enough to let light through without tearing, your Easy Homemade Pizza Dough is perfect and ready for rising.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, but keep in mind whole wheat flour will make your dough heartier and slightly denser. For softer results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour, adding extra water as needed to keep the dough pliable.

Final Thoughts

With just a handful of basic ingredients and a little hands-on time, you’re on your way to homemade pizza that’s fresh, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re a weeknight cook or a pizza enthusiast, I hope this Easy Homemade Pizza Dough inspires you to gather your favorite toppings and create something utterly delicious right in your own kitchen. Happy baking!

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 17 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 2 12-inch pizzas 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious homemade pizza dough from scratch with this easy recipe. Perfect for pizza night at home!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Whisk warm water, sugar, and yeast together in a mixing bowl. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Add Ingredients: Mix in flour, olive oil, and salt. Beat until the dough comes together.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough in the mixer or by hand until soft and slightly tacky.
Rise: Allow the dough to double in size for 60–90 minutes.
Preheat: Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C) and prepare the pan.
Shape the Dough: Divide, flatten, and shape the dough into a 12-inch circle.
Prepare Toppings: Choose your favorite toppings and preheat the oven.
Top & Bake: Press dents in the dough, brush with olive oil, add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake for 13–15 minutes.
Serve: Slice the hot pizza and enjoy immediately!

Notes

For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings.
Experiment with different toppings like pepperoni, veggies, or even pineapple for a unique flavor.
This dough can be frozen for future use—just thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian