Basic Pizza Dough

This Basic Pizza Dough Recipe is simple, versatile, and perfect for making homemade pizza with a soft, chewy crust. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have restaurant-quality pizza dough that’s great for thin-crust, deep-dish, or stuffed-crust pizzas. No fancy equipment required!

🛒 Ingredients for Basic Pizza Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier crust)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to activate yeast)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

🍽️ Substitutions for Basic Pizza Dough

• Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• No yeast? Substitute ½ teaspoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon baking soda (texture will be different).
• Whole wheat? Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Basic Pizza Dough

1️⃣ Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. (Skip this step if using instant yeast.)

2️⃣ Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

3️⃣ Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.)

4️⃣ Let it rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1-2 hours (or until doubled in size).

5️⃣ Shape & bake: Punch down the dough, roll out into a 12-inch pizza crust, add toppings, and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12-15 minutes.

✅ Recipe Tips for the Best Basic Pizza Dough

• Use warm water (not hot!): Too hot will kill the yeast.
• Knead well: This develops gluten for a better texture.
• Let it rise in a warm place: Helps dough double in size faster.
• Preheat your oven & pizza stone for crispy crust!

🥶 Storage Instructions for Basic Pizza Dough

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. (Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.)

🔄 Recipe Variations for Basic Pizza Dough

• Garlic Herb Crust: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
• Cheesy Crust: Stuff edges with mozzarella before baking.
• Sweet Dough: Add 1 tablespoon honey for a hint of sweetness.
• Thin-Crust Pizza: Roll dough extra thin and bake for 8-10 minutes.

❓ FAQs About Basic Pizza Dough

Can I use this dough for breadsticks or calzones?

Yes! Just shape as needed and bake accordingly.

Why isn’t my dough rising?

Check that your yeast isn’t expired and that your water wasn’t too hot or cold.

Can I make pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.

How do I make my pizza crust crispy?

Use a pizza stone and preheat your oven to 475°F before baking.