Pizza Dough
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Elevate your homemade pizzas with this simple and delicious pizza dough, made with just five ingredients.
If you want to ensure a perfect crust for your homemade pizza, stromboli, or calzones, making your own pizza dough is the way to go. This simple process requires five basic ingredients — flour, salt, yeast, oil, and water — and takes only ten minutes to mix and knead. Just be sure to allow at least 90 minutes for the pizza dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen before using it. This recipe makes 2 pounds of dough, which is enough for two large pizzas, four individual ones, two stromboli, or four calzones. You can make the dough up to two days in advance, and it freezes beautifully, too.
What you’ll need to make pizza dough
- Olive oil adds richness to the dough and helps it crisp up in the oven.
- A healthy dose of salt is added for flavor.
- Cornmeal is used to dust the baking sheet and keep the dough from sticking as it bakes; it also gives the crust a bit of extra crispiness and flavor.
- Yeast makes the dough rise. I use instant yeast, which may also be referred to as rapid-rise, quick-rise, or bread machine yeast (this is confusing, but they are all the same thing). Active dry yeast, often referred to as regular yeast, may also be used, but it will lengthen the rising time by about 50%.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Mix the Dough
To begin, combine the flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.
Stir with a spoon to combine, and then add the oil and warm water.
Stir until the dough comes together into a shaggy mass.
Knead the Dough
Fit the mixer with the dough hook and knead on medium-low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. (Alternatively, you can knead the dough by hand.)
Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled large bowl.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
There are a number of options that will work as places to let your dough rise: a sunny spot in your house, next to a heating vent (during colder months), or even on top of a kitchen appliance that generates a bit of heat as it runs (like your fridge). If you’re lucky enough to have a proof setting in your oven, use that. If not, but you’d like to use your oven, switch on the oven’s internal light; it will generate enough warmth to provide a good environment for the dough to rise.
After the dough has risen, punch it down.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough in half and roll each piece into a ball. If you’re not using the pizza dough right away, lightly coat the dough ball(s) with olive oil. Place into freezer bag(s) and seal shut, squeezing out all the air. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to use, let the dough sit out on the countertop for 30 minutes to warm up before stretching.
Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
As you can see, it will rise a bit.
Shape the Dough
When it comes time to shape the pizza dough for baking, you can stretch it into any shape, size, or thickness you like (just keep in mind that a thicker crust will take longer to bake). Simply press and stretch the dough using your hands, dusting with more flour if necessary.
General Baking Instructions
Every pizza recipe is a little different, but as a general guideline:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F and set an oven rack in the bottom position. Dust a 13×18-inch baking sheet lightly with cornmeal.
- Place the stretched dough on the baking sheet, and gently stretch it out again so that it maintains its shape.
- Spread your sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the crust is partially cooked. Remove from the oven and scatter the cheese and toppings over the sauce. Slide the pan back into the oven and cook until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling, 4 to 6 minutes more.
You May Also Like
- Rosemary Focaccia
- Calzones
- Margherita Pizza
- Pesto Pizza with Fresh Tomatoes & Mozzarella
- Challah
- Soft Pretzels
- Stromboli
- Pierogi
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you’re not using the pizza dough right away, after the initial rise, lightly coat the dough ball(s) with olive oil. Place into freezer bag(s) and seal shut, squeezing out all the air. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to use, let the dough sit out on the countertop for 30 minutes to warm up before stretching. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 12 hours), and then let it warm up on the countertop for about 30 minutes before stretching and proceeding with your pizza recipe.
Yes but the dough will take longer to rise. To give active dry yeast a boost, you can dissolve it in the warm water and let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes. Following that, add it to the mixing bowl with the flour, oil, and salt and proceed with the recipe.
Video Tutorial
Pizza Dough
Elevate your homemade pizzas with this simple and delicious pizza dough, made with just five ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon instant/quick-rise yeast
- 2¼ teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water (see note)
- Cornmeal, for dusting the pan before baking
Instructions
- Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir with a spoon to combine. Add the oil and water and stir until the dough comes together into a shaggy mass. Fit the stand mixer with the dough hook and knead on medium-low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. (Alternatively, you can knead the dough by hand.) The dough should be slightly tacky and cling just to the bottom of the bowl; if it seems too dry during the kneading process, add 1 tablespoon of water. If it seems too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Dust your hands with flour, then gather the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
- When the dough has risen, punch it down and place on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough in half and roll each piece into a ball.
- If you’re not using the dough right away, lightly coat the dough balls with olive oil. Place into freezer bags and seal shut, squeezing out all the air. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to use, let the dough sit out on the countertop for 30 minutes to warm up before stretching. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 12 hours), and then let it warm up on the countertop for about 30 minutes before stretching and proceeding with your pizza recipe.
- If you're planning to use the dough right away, cover the dough balls with a damp kitchen towel and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes (the dough will rise a bit). Using your hands, stretch the dough to the desired shape. Proceed with your pizza recipe, or follow the general baking instructions below.
- General Baking Instructions: Preheat the oven to 500°F and set an oven rack in the bottom position. Dust a 13x18-inch baking sheet lightly with cornmeal. Place the stretched dough on the baking sheet, and gently stretch it out again so that it maintains its shape. Spread your sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the crust is partially cooked. Remove from the oven and scatter the cheese and toppings over the sauce. Slide the pan back into the oven and cook until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling, 4 to 6 minutes more. Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Slice and serve.
- Note: Active dry yeast may be used instead of instant yeast, however the dough will take longer to rise. To give active dry yeast a boost, you can dissolve it in the warm water and let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes. Following that, add it to the mixing bowl with the flour, oil, and salt and proceed with the recipe.
- Note: The water should be warm to the touch — not hot — as anything over 130°F will kill the yeast and keep the dough from rising. It’s not necessary to measure the temperature, but you’re aiming for around 105°F.
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Good morning, I am wondering if 00 flour would work in this recipe. I bought 8 lbs and need to use it for something. I made this recipe before and it was delicious with AP flour. Thank you in advance.
Hi Cheryl, I haven’t tried it so can’t say for sure but I think it’s worth a try. I’d follow the measurements in the recipe but add more water or flour if necessary to get to the right consistency (smooth and elastic). I’d love to hear how it turns out if you try it!
HI Jenn, I made your recipe with half 00 flour and half ap flour. It turned out well. Thank you for all the great recipes you share with us!
So glad it came out well — thanks for the follow-up!
Hello, all I have is tradional yeast, would that work?
Hi Janice, by traditional, I’m assuming you mean active dry yeast? If so, yes, it can be used instead of instant yeast, however, the dough will take longer to rise. To give active dry yeast a boost, you can dissolve it in the warm water and let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes. Following that, add it to the mixing bowl with the flour, oil, and salt and proceed with the recipe. Hope that helps!
I made a traditional tomato sauce and pepperoni pizza with this dough. The dough rose beautifully and was so light, compared to other dough recipes. We totally enjoyed and this will be my go to pizza dough recipe.
I love this pizza dough! I have made it at least a dozen times and it always turns out amazing. Because my family needs four pizzas, we usually double the recipe to make the right amount. We have even kept it in the fridge for a day or two after making and it turns out just as well. I will always make this recipe when making pizza!
This Pizza Dough is so simple and delicious. I stretch it thin for the adults that don’t want too much bread with their pizza. Also I keep it thick for easy to eat pizza for the kids. I love making the dough on Wednesday and having a fun and easy Friday night pizza party ready to go . I just pull out the dough from the refrigerator on Friday night and fresh pizza for all. My husband says thanks for saving him lots of money on take out!
Wouldn’t bread flour work better to make a good chewy dough and help form the gluten better?
I do like this recipe and it’s definitely worth making!
Hi Brian, bread flour is great here; I don’t call for it in the recipe as most people don’t have it on hand but feel free to use it if you’d like. Hope that clarifies!
Recipe is easy to follow and the crust came out restaurant style!
Really excellent pizza crust! Mine rose beautifully; however, I did have some difficulty rolling it out (I made one large pizza rather than 2 smaller ones). A rolling pin was useful in rolling out the dough before putting on my sauce. Also, the dough seemed to puff up quite a bit – I have used previous recipes saying to pierce the dough with a fork to prevent this. I might try that next time if I use this recipe again.
Perfect Dough recipe. Light weight, tasty, some tang, and perfect for a fun creative meal. Clear directions too, as always (so appreciated). You can split into 4, for individual pizzas. Use in the oven as described or on the grill. This is a keeper.
Years ago, I vowed to never make my own pizza dough after several failed attempts using other recipes… fast forward to quarantine and my family wanted pizza but we weren’t ready to order out. I discovered this recipe and Jen has never failed me before, so I gave this a try and what an amazing recipe. I followed everything the first few times I’ve made this, but recently I’ve reduced the salt to just a teaspoon as I’m trying to lower my sodium intake and it’s still delicious (the toppings also have enough salt to compensate). I don’t think I can ever go back to restaurant pizza again. This dough is quick and easy to make and I make it by hand most of the time if I’m only making one pizza.
I’ve made pizzas using my own pizza sauce and with the walnut pesto (another favorite recipe on here) as well as my own take on a fuji apple gorgonzola pizza using this dough and it always bakes up well. I have baked on parchment and cookie sheet, with the cornmeal, and on a pizza stone and have had no issues. I also like to brush a little bit of olive oil around the edges for a nice crisp. I recently made a pizza for my sis in law and all she could say was “That pizza, OMG! Not sure how I can just eat one slice!”