Making your own pizza dough at home can seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious, homemade pizza dough that’s perfect for any topping you choose. This easy pizza dough recipe is designed to be simple, straightforward, and foolproof, so you can enjoy the satisfaction of making pizza from scratch.
Ingredients for Pizza Dough
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups bread flour (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 envelope instant dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups water, 110 degrees F
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons
How to Make Pizza Dough
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix them together until they are evenly distributed.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
- Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the trapped air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces for two medium pizzas, or leave it whole for one large pizza.
- Shape the Dough: Use your hands to shape each piece of dough into a ball. Allow the dough balls to rest for about 10 minutes. This rest period makes the dough easier to stretch and shape.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into your desired shape and thickness. If you prefer a thicker crust, roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. For a thinner crust, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest setting, usually around 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. The high temperature ensures a crispy crust.
- Add Toppings: Add your favorite toppings to the rolled-out dough. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, or something more adventurous, the choice is yours. Be sure not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as this can make the crust soggy.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Transfer the Pizza: If you’re using a pizza peel and stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot stone. If you’re using a baking sheet, simply place the sheet in the oven.
- Bake: Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep a close eye on the pizza to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This rest period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut.
About the Main Ingredients
Bread Flour
Bread flour is essential for achieving a chewy, elastic dough. It has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which gives the dough its structure and chewiness. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture of the dough may be slightly different.
Instant Dry Yeast
Yeast is what makes the dough rise. Instant dry yeast is convenient because it doesn’t need to be activated in water before adding it to the dry ingredients. It starts working immediately once it comes into contact with the wet ingredients, making the dough rise faster.
Olive Oil
Olive oil adds richness and flavor to the dough. It also helps to create a tender crust. Brushing the dough with olive oil before adding the toppings helps to create a barrier that prevents the sauce from making the dough soggy.
Water
Water is necessary to hydrate the flour and activate the yeast. The temperature of the water is important; it should be warm (about 110°F) to help the yeast activate without killing it. Cold water will slow down the yeast’s activity, while hot water can kill the yeast.
Kosher Salt
Salt is important for flavor. It also helps to strengthen the dough by tightening the gluten network. Using kosher salt ensures that the dough is evenly seasoned.
This easy pizza dough recipe is perfect for those who want to make delicious homemade pizza without the hassle. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dough that’s perfect for any type of pizza. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a loaded supreme, this dough provides the perfect base for your favorite toppings. Enjoy the process of making your own pizza dough and savor the delicious results!
