• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
Sugar Spun Run
  • All Recipes
  • Desserts
    • Cookies
    • Candy
    • Bars & Brownies
    • Cake
    • Pies
  • Breads (Yeast & Quick Breads)
  • Savory
  • Breakfast
    • Muffins
    • Scones
  • Seasonal
    • Cozy Winter / Holiday Treats
    • Easter / Spring
    • Fall Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Contact/Work with Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Breads (Yeast & Quick Breads)

    The Best Pizza Dough Recipe

    Published: May 23, 2018 by Sam Merritt • 9,434 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe
    The Easiest Pizza Dough Recipe

    This is the easiest, best pizza dough recipe. With just 6 ingredients and no fancy flours required (I’ve included instructions for using all-purpose or bread flour), this pizza crust requires just one bowl (no stand mixer, though you can use one if you’d like), about 3 seconds of kneading, and just 30 minutes to rise. 

    If you’re uncomfortable working with yeast or making your own pizza dough at home, I’ll walk you through every step of the process in my video just below the recipe. You’ve got this! 

    Pizza Dough Recipe with dough after it's risen

    It’s a little silly how excited I am to share this recipe with you today. It’s pizza dough, not exactly glamorous or sexy and it was honestly pretty boring to photograph (how do you make a ball of dough look fun and appealing in pictures, please tell me!).

    But as someone who has struggled with baking even the most simple recipes with yeast, perfecting this pizza dough was definitely a triumph for me and I’m really happy to announce that there’s nothing to be afraid of! Yeast baking isn’t all that scary or hard, and you too can make your own super simple pizza crust at home in a matter of minutes, no fancy ingredients required.

    I kept this pizza dough recipe as simple and approachable as possible. It’s made with all-purpose flour (and notes on how to substitute that flour, in case you want to get fancy 😉), no stand mixer needed, and only the most minimal amount of kneading required.

    Below I’ve tried to ask some of the most frequently asked questions about making your own pizza dough. Let’s get to it.

    Folding over pizza dough to form a crust

    What is the best flour for making homemade pizza dough?

    Many pizza-making-pros will likely argue that bread flour is best for making homemade pizza. However, I rarely keep any flours in my pantry that are more exotic than all-purpose flour, so when I was working on this recipe I first and foremost made sure that it worked perfectly with regular old all-purpose flour.

    I did make a point to test this recipe (repeatedly, we ate a lot of pizza last week) with bread flour and it works very well when made that way, too. I find that the biggest difference is that using bread flour gives my pizza dough a crispier crust, while the all purpose flour yields a softer one.

    Can I flavor my Pizza Dough?

    Pizza dough on its own is obviously important as a base for your favorite pizza, but it’s also kind of… bland. Shockingly, something made primarily of flour and water isn’t super exciting to the taste buds, and most of the flavor will come from whatever toppings you add.

    I do usually try to spice up my crust just a bit, though, by adding a dash of garlic powder (usually around a ¼ teaspoon) and sometimes dried basil leaves (dried oregano could also work for you but I absolutely loathe oregano) into the dough before you add your oil and water.

    Pizza dough formed into a ball before rising

    How do you stretch out pizza dough?

    You can use a rolling pin or you can use your hands. If you’re especially skilled, you can toss it up in the air and spin your dough like an Italian pizza artist, but I definitely lack the ability to tell you how to do that one.

    I prefer to use a rolling pin and roll the dough out into a circle (or more like an amoeba-shape, since I can’t roll a perfect circle to save my life). Alternatively you can use your hands to flatten and stretch the dough until it reaches the desired width.

    Then use your hands to pinch the edges to make a crust or fold over the edges (I always fold mine over because it gives me a thicker crust, which I love), brush the entire surface of the pizza generously with olive oil, and then use a fork to poke holes over the center of the dough to prevent any bubbles from forming while it bakes.

    Pizza dough on pizza pan

    How do you make Homemade Pizza?

    You can use this pizza dough recipe to make your own homemade pizza using any toppings you’d like (I love making Margherita pizza and have even made a BBQ chicken version using my BBQ pulled chicken).

    I included instructions in the recipe, but once you’ve prepared your pizza dough, just add your favorite toppings and bake in a 425F oven for about 15 minutes (you may need longer if you add a lot of toppings). Do make sure you let your oven preheat properly and use an oven thermometer as possible, my oven takes a while to reach that temperature and usually “tells” me it’s ready when it’s not even close.

    Cheese pizza made with my pizza dough recipe

    OK, are you guys sick of hearing about my beloved pizza dough recipe yet? In case you just can’t get enough, I also made a video just below that you can watch so you can see exactly how your dough should look in every step.

    How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough

    YouTube video

    If you enjoy watching these videos, please subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be notified every time I publish a video!

    Pizza dough in glass bowl, after rising

    The Best Pizza Dough Recipe

    How to make the BEST Pizza Dough Recipe
    5 from 2419 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Rising Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour
    Servings: 12 servings (makes one 10-12" pizza)
    Calories: 113kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 2-2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour OR bread flour¹ divided (250-295g)
    • 1 packet instant yeast² (2 ¼ teaspoon)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛-¼ teaspoon garlic powder and/or dried basil leaves optional
    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil + additional
    • ¾ cup warm water³ (175ml)

    Recommended Equipment

    • 1 Pizza pan (I like this cast iron one from Lodge!)
    • Mixing bowls
    • Pizza Cutter

    Instructions

    • Combine 1 cup (125g) of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. If desired, add garlic powder and dried basil at this point as well.
    • Add olive oil and warm water and use a wooden spoon to stir well very well.
    • Gradually add another 1 cup (125g) of flour. Add any additional flour as needed (I've found that sometimes I need as much as an additional ⅓ cup), stirring until the dough is forming into a cohesive, elastic ball and is beginning to pull away from the sides of the bowl (see video above recipe for visual cue). The dough will still be slightly sticky but still should be manageable with your hands.
    • Drizzle a separate, large, clean bowl generously with olive oil and use a pastry brush to brush up the sides of the bowl.
    • Lightly dust your hands with flour and form your pizza dough into a round ball and transfer to your olive oil-brushed bowl. Use your hands to roll the pizza dough along the inside of the bowl until it is coated in olive oil, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm place.
    • Allow dough to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. If you intend to bake this dough into a pizza, I also recommend preheating your oven to 425F (215C) at this point so that it will have reached temperature once your pizza is ready to bake.
    • Once the dough has risen, use your hands to gently deflate it and transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth (about 3-5 times). 
    • Use either your hands or a rolling pin to work the dough into 12" circle.
    • Transfer dough to a parchment paper lined pizza pan and either pinch the edges or fold them over to form a crust.
    • Drizzle additional olive oil (about a Tablespoon) over the top of the pizza and use your pastry brush to brush the entire surface of the pizza (including the crust) with olive oil. 
    • Use a fork to poke holes all over the center of the pizza to keep the dough from bubbling up in the oven.
    • Add desired toppings (see the notes for a link to my favorite, 5-minute pizza sauce recipe!) and bake in a 425F (215C) preheated oven for 13-15 minutes or until toppings are golden brown. Slice and serve.

    Notes

    ¹I've found that all-purpose flour yields a softer crust while bread flour gives a slightly crispier exterior. Please see the post for more information on all-purpose vs. bread flour in pizza dough.
    ²Many commenters have reported using active dry yeast (use the same amount, 2 ¼ teaspoon) with success. Some people have proofed the yeast first with the ¾ cup warm water, which is what I would recommend, while others have just mixed it into the dough as instructed. Both have had success! 
    ³Ideally your water should be between 105-115F (40-46C). I usually just use warm tap water but do make sure that your water isn't too hot or it will kill your yeast!

    Making in Advance:

    To make in advance, let the dough rise covered at room temperature as indicated in the recipe, then deflate it, wrap it tightly so it doesn't dry out, and store in the refrigerator for up to several days or it will freeze for up to a month. 
    Top your pizza off with my favorite, easy, homemade pizza sauce!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

    More Bread Recipes

    • Pumpkin cinnamon roll frosted with cream cheese icing on a plate.
      Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
    • Pile of homemade naan including garlic naan.
      Naan
    • Tall cornbread biscuits with flaky layers in a pile.
      Cornbread Biscuits
    • Round pan of homemade cinnamon rolls topped with icing.
      Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ivana

      October 16, 2025 at 3:18 pm

      If I wanted to use half whole wheat flour, could you suggest how to modify this recipe? It’s really yummy! We use it all the time.

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 16, 2025 at 5:31 pm

        Hi Ivana! You could incorporate some whole wheat flour, but just be cautious as it is a bit “thirstier” and could require less flour 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jessi Dazzo

      October 14, 2025 at 6:50 pm

      5 stars
      This was a hit at my house.

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 15, 2025 at 11:29 am

        We’re so happy to hear that, Jessi! Enjoy 😊

        Reply
    3. Midori

      October 13, 2025 at 11:14 pm

      Hello, I just made this dough to use for tomorrow. When I take it out of the fridge, do I need to let it rise again or anything, or can I just roll it out immediately? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 14, 2025 at 11:10 am

        Hi Midori! You will need to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out. There’s no need to knead or let it rise again though. Enjoy!

        Reply
      • Maria

        October 15, 2025 at 3:26 pm

        could I par bake this recipe? if so how long would I have to do it for?

        Reply
        • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

          October 15, 2025 at 3:56 pm

          Sure! We’d estimate 8-9 minutes.

    4. Jacob Birrell

      October 12, 2025 at 9:32 pm

      5 stars
      made for dinner and it was a huge hit!

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 13, 2025 at 12:08 pm

        We are so happy you enjoyed it, Jacob! Thanks for the review 🥰

        Reply
    5. Lorlie

      October 12, 2025 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 13, 2025 at 12:08 pm

        So glad you enjoyed, Lorlie!

        Reply
    6. Lynne Kohler

      October 12, 2025 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      Made this recipe for the first time for dinner. Easy to follow and make recipe and it’s now my go to pizza crust recipe! Yay! It took some trial and error to find the best recipe for homemade pizza. Next time I will flatten the dough thinner to create a little thinner pizza.

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 13, 2025 at 12:09 pm

        We are so happy you enjoyed it, Lynne! 🥰

        Reply
    7. WENDY

      October 11, 2025 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      Easy to make and delicious

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 13, 2025 at 12:09 pm

        Thanks for giving it a try, Wendy! ☺️

        Reply
    8. Natalee Martin

      October 11, 2025 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      AMAZING

      Reply
    9. Amy

      October 10, 2025 at 10:50 pm

      5 stars
      I have tried many pizza dough recipes and this is the first one I’ve made that has come out right! The family loved it and thought it was delicious. This recipe is a keeper!

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 13, 2025 at 10:45 am

        We are so happy ours was a winner for you, Amy! Enjoy 😊

        Reply
      • Josh Holliday

        October 13, 2025 at 12:11 pm

        Can this be frozen for use later?

        Reply
        • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

          October 13, 2025 at 2:25 pm

          Yes! Enjoy 🙂

    10. Cheryl Hammond

      October 09, 2025 at 6:42 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is perfect, yummy and easy to make. Thank you, it’s my go to for homemade pizza every time.

      Reply
    11. Amanda

      October 08, 2025 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe!! Comes out perfect every time!

      Reply
    12. Rick

      October 05, 2025 at 7:57 pm

      My only issue is how many servings you say we get with this.
      Anytime I make or buy a pizza, it usually gets cut into 8 slices. most people have 2 slices. That would mean total servings in this recipe is either 4 or 8 …. how do you get 12 servings out of 8 slices?

      Reply
      • Sam Merritt

        October 05, 2025 at 9:00 pm

        Hi Rick! This simply means that the calorie content here is for 1/12 of the pizza. 🙂

        Reply
      • Maria

        October 15, 2025 at 3:29 pm

        when I want 12 slices from a pizza I first cut the whole pizza in half, cut each half side into three parts then cut each of those pieces in half.

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 2419 votes (2,419 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

    The Best Fall Recipes:

    Two-layer slice of spice cake missing one bite.

    Spice Cake

    roasted pumpkin seeds on marble

    Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

    Bowl of apple crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and cinnamon.

    Apple Crisp Recipe

    Pile of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Turkey pot pie made in a cast iron pan with one slice missing.

    Turkey Pot Pie — Great for Leftover Turkey!

    Halloween spider cookies

    Spooky Spider Cookies

    More Fall Recipes

    Most Popular

    flaky biscuit on white cloth

    Easy Homemade Biscuits

    Pizza dough in glass bowl, after rising

    The Best Pizza Dough Recipe

    Slice of cheesecake

    The Best Cheesecake Recipe

    Potato soup in bowl, with toppings

    The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup

    one bite missing from a slice of vanilla cake with chocolate frosting

    The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

    Stack of cookies made from this chocolate chip cookie recipe with melty chocolate chips and a bite missing from the top cookie

    The WORST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

    places sugar spun run has been featured (Women's Day, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, the huffington post, People, Delish, MSN, TLC, Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Youtube

    Privacy Policy

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    ABOUT

    • About Me
    • Policies, Disclosure & Privacy
    • Terms of Use

    CONTACT

    • Contact
    • Work with Me!

    © 2020 Sugar Spun Run. All Rights Reserved

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.