Making pizza from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you can make your own dough. This pizza dough recipe is simple, requires just a few ingredients, and delivers a soft, chewy crust every time. Whether you’re making a classic margherita, a veggie pizza, or a meat lover’s pie, this dough is the perfect base for any creation!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- Cornmeal (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
4. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, then cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into your desired pizza shape (round or rectangular). For a thinner crust, roll the dough out more, and for a thicker crust, leave it a bit thicker.
6. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up for the best crispy crust. If not, a baking sheet will work fine.
7. Prepare the Pizza
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel (if using a pizza stone) or a greased baking sheet. Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
8. Bake the Pizza
Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot!
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Dough:
- Use Warm Water: Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. The perfect temperature is about 110°F (45°C).
- Let the Dough Rise: Allow the dough to rise fully to get a soft, fluffy crust.
- Add Flavor: For a more flavorful dough, you can add herbs like oregano or basil to the flour mixture.
- Cold Fermentation: For extra flavor, you can let the dough rise in the refrigerator for 24 hours before using it.
With this pizza dough recipe, you can easily make homemade pizzas that are fresh, delicious, and customized just the way you like them. The soft, chewy crust and endless topping options make it a perfect dish for any occasion!