There’s something incredibly satisfying about making pizza from scratch. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita or something more creative, this pizza dough recipe is my go-to for a crispy, flavorful crust every time. After experimenting with different techniques, I’ve found the perfect balance of texture and taste—trust me, this will become your favorite too.
Why Homemade Pizza is a Smart Choice
Making pizza at home is not only fun and customizable, but it’s also a much more cost-effective option compared to buying frozen pizza or ordering takeout. With just a few simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, you can make a large batch of dough that’s enough for multiple pizzas. Plus, you get to control the quality of the toppings and adjust to your taste. A typical homemade pizza costs a fraction of what you’d spend on takeout, and it’s often healthier since you’re using fresh ingredients without preservatives. Over time, these savings really add up, making homemade pizza a delicious and budget-friendly meal for any occasion! It’s also a great activity to get kids involved in the kitchen, letting them have fun with choosing and arranging their own toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/3 cups warm water (around 100-110°F, warm but not too hot)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (1 standard packet) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for a subtle sweetness and to help activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a bit more for brushing and prepping the pan)
- 1 teaspoon salt (essential for flavor)
- 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (with extra for kneading)
- A sprinkle of cornmeal for a little added crunch on the pan
Step 1: Activate the Yeast Start by whisking the warm water, yeast, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. The yeast will start to foam up—this means it’s activated and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Mix the Dough After the yeast is ready, add in the olive oil, salt, and flour. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or simply a wooden spoon, mix everything on low for about 2 minutes. You’re aiming for a sticky dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough Now comes the fun part—kneading! You can either keep the dough in the stand mixer on medium-low speed for 5 minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too sticky, just add a little more flour. Once kneaded, it should pass the “poke test”—poke it gently, and if it springs back, it’s ready.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it so it’s coated on all sides. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm area for about 60-90 minutes until it doubles in size. (A quick tip: If your kitchen is cold, you can heat your oven to 150°F, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside with the door slightly ajar.)
Step 5: Shape the Dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide it in half if you’re making two pizzas or freeze one half for later. Shape the dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/2 inch thick, and place it on a greased pan sprinkled with cornmeal for that classic crunchy base.
Step 6: Prepare for Toppings Before adding your toppings, press some dents into the dough with your fingers to prevent bubbling, then brush a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Step 7: Bake Your Pizza Add your favorite toppings—whether it’s a traditional pepperoni and cheese combo or something adventurous like pesto and artichokes. I use a homemade cherry tomato sauce that I’ll post in the future; it’s divine! Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 475°F for 14-16 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Slice it up and enjoy!
Notes:
- Freezing Instructions: This recipe makes enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas. After the dough rises, you can freeze half for future use. Just coat the dough ball lightly with oil, place it in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’s ready to use!
Enjoy creating your own signature pizzas with this versatile dough recipe!