Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 09, 2025

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Easy Pizza Dough Recipe: Homemade Happiness in Every Slice

Making pizza dough from scratch might seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! This easy pizza dough recipe delivers a delicious, chewy crust every time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project. No need for fancy equipment or specialized ingredients – just a few simple pantry staples and a little bit of elbow grease. Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas. Feel free to halve it if you're making a smaller pizza.

• 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F): Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps it get to work.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: This is the magic ingredient that makes your dough rise.
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting: Start with less and add more as needed to achieve the right consistency.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds flavor and keeps the dough moist.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Activating the Yeast:

1. Bloom the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and ready to do its job! If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be dead, and you'll need a fresh batch.

Mixing the Dough:

2. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
3. Combine: Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):

5. First Proof: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Second Rise:

6. Punch Down: Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
7. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half (for two pizzas) and shape each half into a round or rectangular shape.
8. Second Proof: Place the shaped dough on a lightly floured pizza pan or baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking Your Pizza:

9. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well.
10. Add Toppings: Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
11. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust.

Tips for Pizza Perfection:

• Don't over-knead: Over-kneading can lead to a tough crust.
• Use good quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your pizza will taste!
• Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings!
• Let the dough rest: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for a light and airy crust.

This easy pizza dough recipe is a great starting point for your pizza-making adventures. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Happy baking!