Name: Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-491134H57M45S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (equal to 1 packet); 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (plus up to 1/3 cup as needed, 250-290 g); 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ cup warm water (105-115° F); 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for bowl and crust)

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Introduction

Making your own pizza dough at home is simpler than you might think and rewards you with a fresh, chewy crust perfect for your favorite toppings. This straightforward recipe uses basic ingredients to create a versatile dough that you can customize and enjoy any night of the week.

A round ball of smooth, soft dough with a pale cream color sits on a light brown wooden surface lightly dusted with white flour. The dough has a slightly matte texture with a few wrinkles and small spots of flour on top. In the background, a white cloth with blue stripes is partially visible, adding a cozy touch. The overall scene has a calm, natural look against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (equal to 1 packet)
¾ cup warm water (105-115° F)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (plus up to 1/3 cup as needed, 250-290 g)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for bowl and crust)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, and half of the flour. Stir well. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir with a wooden spoon while gradually adding the remaining flour until an elastic ball forms and slightly sticks to the bowl.
Step 3: Dust your hands with flour and knead the dough inside the bowl for 3 to 5 minutes. If sticky, add more flour in small amounts up to 1/3 cup. The dough is ready for rising when it slowly springs back after being poked.
Step 4: Lightly oil a large glass bowl with olive oil using a pastry brush. Place the dough ball inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 30 to 60 minutes or until doubled in size. For deeper flavor and texture, rise overnight in the fridge.
Step 5: Gently punch down the dough and knead it five times to smooth it out. Shape it into a ball and use immediately or store for later use.
Step 6: For basic baking, preheat your oven to 450° F and bake the shaped pizza dough for 13 to 15 minutes. Add your favorite toppings before baking. For detailed topping instructions, see a homemade pizza recipe.

Tips & Variations

Use bread flour for a chewier crust or all-purpose flour for a softer texture.
Adding garlic powder enhances flavor; substitute with onion powder or dried herbs as desired.
Letting the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight improves flavor and dough elasticity.
Brush the crust with olive oil before baking to achieve a golden, crispy edge.

Storage

Store the dough in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Reheat baked pizza slices in a hot oven or skillet for best texture.

How to Serve

A smooth, round ball of pale dough covered lightly with white flour sits on a wooden board dusted with flour. The dough has a soft texture with faint creases visible on its surface, and the board is surrounded by a soft fabric with a blue plaid pattern on one side and a small glass jar on the other. The scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water with sugar and letting it proof for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy before mixing with flour.

Why does my dough stick to my hands and bowl?

Pizza dough is naturally a bit sticky. Dust your hands and work surface with flour to manage stickiness, and add extra flour gradually while kneading if needed. Avoid adding too much to keep the dough tender.