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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
If you enjoy watching these videos, please subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be notified every time I publish a video!
The Best Pizza Dough Recipe
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)
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
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
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.
KA
The recipe itself isn’t bad, but I found the crust to be a bit more spongy than I expected, making my pizza more of a bread and less of a chewy or crispy traditional slice. Keep that in mind while making that this is not a chewy or crispy crust. Not what I was expecting, but not bad.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you for trying my recipe. I’m sorry that crust wasn’t what you had hoped for.
Amanda
So easy even I can make it and have many times. My husband loves it and he is the cook of the house
Sugar Spun Run
That is wonderful, Amanda! I am so glad that the pizza dough has been a hit in your house. Enjoy! 🙂
Byron
If I use an electric mixer with a dough hook what changes should I make with combining the ingredients?
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Byron! Yes, you can use an electric mixer with a dough hook. No changes are needed, I recommend mixing until all ingredients are combined. I hope that you enjoy the pizza dough! 🙂
Byron
Can I also use durum flour for part of the flour? If so would I have make any other changes?
Sam
Hmm I’ve never tried durum flour so I can’t say for sure, I’m sorry!
Jacque
LOVE THIS! Came out great and such a super easy recipe. The dough rose just like it should. Husband approved!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Jacque! I am so glad that you enjoyed the Pizza Dough. I am happy it was Husband Approved. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Lena
I wonder if you can mix the flour with half bread flour and ap flour? I would love to have it cripsy and soft! Lol
Sam
You can do half of each 🙂 Enjoy the pizza dough, Lena!
Nancy
I love a crispy crust, this one is perfect!!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the Pizza Dough, Nancy! Thanks for the 5-star review. 🙂
Currie Burris
Disaster!!
A flat, gummy, cracker crust. It never rose. Temperature of the water was exactly 100 degrees, still no rise. Too salty—3/4 tea too much. Resting on top of the stove, big mistake—way too hot. I don’t think the baker ever really tested this recipe. It doesn’t work.
Sam
Hi Currie, I’m not sure how the crust can be gummy and like a cracker, we must buy very different kinds of crackers at the store. The recipe indicates that, if you are temping it, the water should be at least 105F so right there you haven’t even followed the instructions properly. I’m just really a little taken aback by your suggestion that not only did I not test this recipe (that you can literally watch me make it in the video) but also that the over 350 5 star ratings are wrong/invalid rather than deigning to imagine that something might have possibly gone wrong on your end in the kitchen. We all have those days, especially when baking with yeast, and I’m happy to help troubleshoot, but I really have to say this one’s on you 🤷🏼♀️
Kre8er
Best dough I’ve ever made!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the pizza dough! Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Whitney Waterbury
Can I make big batch and put it in the freezer so it’s ready to use? If so for how long?
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Whitney! I have not personally frozen the pizza dough, however, others have and have had success. I recommend letting it rise, then storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should last for about one month. 🙂
Ben favaro
Unbelievable! I’ve used the same dough for years. This is the best I’ve ever had! You’re a genius! Many thanks
Sugar Spun Run
I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza dough recipe so much, Ben! Thank you for commenting. Enjoy! 🙂
Shannon
Hi can we mix the yeast, sugar and warm water aside and let it rise first?
Sam
There’s no need 🙂
Rina
Hey! I was wondering what to use if I don’t have parchment paper? Would tin foil work??
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Rina! Yes, you can use foil instead or bake it directly on the baking sheet. I recommend lightly spraying the pan prior to baking. The parchment paper just makes the cleanup process easier. I hope that you enjoy the pizza dough. 🙂
katharine rossi
After it rises can you put in fridge until ready to use amd then continue on to other steps?
Sam
I don’t see why not! I would keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Belma
I’m sick and tired to scroll down to reach main recipe !!!!!
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Belma! At the very top of each post, just underneath the recipe title, there are two-three teal buttons, one being “Jump to Recipe.” This takes you directly to the recipe, avoiding the full post. I hope that this helps. I try to make it easy. 🙂
Greta
This is a great recipe! I love how easy it is to make and the fact that I don’t need to use a mixer. I used garlic-flavored olive oil and bread flour in the recipe. The crust was delicious and crispy. Thanks!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the pizza dough recipe, Greta! Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Emily
This recipe was so easy and delicious! I’m so glad I tried it. I don’t think I’ll be buying store bought pizza dough anymore! Thanks for another great recipe!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the pizza dough, Emily! Thanks for commenting. 🙂