Sugar Spun Run

Sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes

Join My Facebook Page Follow Me on Pinterest Follow Me on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
You are here: Home / Breads / The Best Pizza Dough Recipe

The Best Pizza Dough Recipe

May 23, 2018 By Sam 5,391 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
Jump to Recipe Print 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 1/4 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


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
4.94 from 1295 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade pizza dough, pizza crust, pizza dough, pizza dough recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings (makes one 10-12" pizza)
Calories: 113kcal
Author: Sam Merritt

Ingredients

  • 2-2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour OR bread flour¹ divided (250-295g)
  • 1 packet instant yeast² (2 1/4 teaspoon)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and/or dried basil leaves optional
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil + additional
  • 3/4 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 1/3 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 1/4 teaspoon) with success. Some people have proofed the yeast first with the 3/4 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
Tried this recipe?Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

Filed Under: Breads, Savory

Related Posts

None found

Previous Post Nutella Cookies
Next Post Texas Caviar

Comments

  1. Aneesa says

    March 27, 2020 at 6:02 am

    can you bake the pizza base before adding the topppings? or do you just bake once?
    thanks

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 27, 2020 at 9:48 am

      Hi, Anessa! You want to make your pizza dough, allow it to rise completely and then roll it out prior to adding toppings. Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
      • Aneesa says

        March 27, 2020 at 10:37 am

        Thanks, but I’m trying to find out if you can bake the base beforehand. Essentially bake the base and later on add toppings and pop it back into the freezer.
        Aneesa

      • Sugar Spun Run says

        March 27, 2020 at 10:53 am

        I have never tried it, Anessa! If you do, I’d love to know it works for you! 🙂

  2. Bernadette says

    March 26, 2020 at 10:51 pm

    Thanks for sharing the recipe. Can I store the excess dough in the freezer. If so, do I need to rest it for a while to rise again before using it or no need? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 27, 2020 at 10:20 am

      Hi, Bernadette! Yes, you can store the dough in an airtight container in the freezer. When you are ready to use, take it out to thaw, knead it, and then roll it out. Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jessica Miller says

    March 26, 2020 at 10:10 pm

    5 stars
    I just want to saw wow wow wow! We tried this recipe for family night and we all got our hands in the warm dough. It turned out amazing, soft delicious dough! Will make again with different toppings. Just did pineapple and cheese 🙂 we are very grateful for the post!

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 10:30 pm

      I am so glad that your family enjoyed it, Jessica! I am happy to hear that you now have a new family favorite! I hope you all had a blast making it! Thanks for commenting. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kaytie says

    March 26, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    Hello!

    I am super excited to try this recipe! Is it okay to let it rest 24 hours? I know some recipes call for this, but I am not looking at having it until tomorrow evening!

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 10:35 pm

      Hi, Kaytie! You can make the pizza dough, allow it to rise completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you the next time. Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Mia says

    March 26, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    5 stars
    Made this but I accidentally put it in fridge to rise but tastes AMAZING 😉 super airy and tasty 😋

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 3:32 pm

      I am so glad that the dough turned out well despite your accident and everyone enjoyed it, Mia! Thanks for commenting. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Toni Carrozza says

    March 26, 2020 at 12:58 pm

    Hi! I am very excited to try this recipe but want to make it a couple hours in advance, is that okay?

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Hi, Toni! Yes, you can make it and leave to rise for a few hours. I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
      • Toni Carrozza says

        April 24, 2020 at 12:46 pm

        5 stars
        This was truly amazing. Thank you so much for sharing and also for your advice.

        Lots of love,
        Toni

      • Sugar Spun Run says

        April 24, 2020 at 1:09 pm

        I am so glad that you loved it, Toni! Happy to help! 🙂

  7. Priyanka says

    March 26, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    5 stars
    👌Awesome pizza dough..

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you so much, Priyanka! I am so glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Sofia says

    March 26, 2020 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    Super easy super tasty

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      I am so glad that you enjoyed the pizza, Sofia! Thank you for commenting. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Alyssa says

    March 26, 2020 at 11:24 am

    Would you say this recipe makes enough for one pizza? Trying to decide if I need to double it for “make your own pizza night” for my family of four. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      This recipe makes one 10″-12″ pizza. I hope that you have fun making them! Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
      • Alyssa says

        March 26, 2020 at 3:10 pm

        thanks!

  10. Laura Pyrzynski says

    March 26, 2020 at 9:39 am

    In parts of the Chicago area, people actually prefer square pizza slices. Dough would then be stretched into a square or rectangular shape. Pizza doesn’t always have to be round, and the slices don’t always have to be in a pie shape.

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 12:13 pm

      I completely agree, Laura! Most of time when my husband I make it, we make it into squares. That is the versatility of pizza dough. 🙂

      Reply
  11. paula I Paterson says

    March 26, 2020 at 6:27 am

    Can I make this dough in the morning and then refrigerate to use later.

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 7:46 am

      Hi, Paula! Yes, you can. You want to make it, and allow it to rise completely before covering it and sticking it in the fridge. Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Airish says

    March 26, 2020 at 5:58 am

    Today is my birthday! I tried this and yes and made 3 pizzas. It is amazing! I’ve tried a lot of pizza crust recipe and it is the best for me! Super love it! We are about to finish it all. 😊

    Love from Philippines 😊

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 26, 2020 at 7:56 am

      Happiest of Birthdays to you, Airish! Homemade pizza is a perfect way to celebrate the day. I am so happy that it turned out well and everyone enjoyed it. Thanks for trying my recipe. I hope that you enjoy your special day. 🙂

      Reply
      • Airish says

        March 26, 2020 at 6:27 pm

        Thank you very much!

  13. Amber Bender says

    March 25, 2020 at 6:12 pm

    Is there a step in the process when freezing is ok?
    After toppings r added maybe? Also what adjustments do u suggest if dividing into 2 individual pizzas instead?

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 25, 2020 at 7:26 pm

      I am so excited for you to try this recipe, Amber. If you wish to freeze the dough, I reccomend, making it allowing it to rise completely and storing it an airtight container or freezer bag until you are ready to use. I have never frozen this rolled out and flat so I am not sure how it will hold up. If you wish to make two individual pizzas you will just divide the dough in half after it has risen. I hope that helps. Keep me posted on how it turns out. 🙂

      Reply
  14. John McLaughlin says

    March 25, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe and our family enjoyed the pizza very much. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 25, 2020 at 4:29 pm

      I am so glad that your family enjoyed it, John! Thank you for commenting. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Sam says

    March 25, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    Hi, we have tried multiple pizza dough recipes the last few days and have been having dough issues. I’ve run out of instant yeast packets and with the crazy empty grocery stores I can not find anymore, I have active dry yeast would this be okay to use instead? This recipe looks easy and delicious! How many pizzas does this amount of dough give? Looking for 2 pizzas!

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 25, 2020 at 4:32 pm

      Hi, Sam! I am excited for you to try this recipe! Others have used active dry yeast and have had success. Please keep in mind that it will take longer for it to double in size than what is indicated in the directions. This recipe make 1 10-12″ pizza. It doubles easily as well. Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Recipe Rating




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.

Most Popular

flaky biscuit on white cloth

Easy Homemade Biscuits

Pizza dough in glass bowl, after rising

The Best Pizza Dough Recipe

Slice of yellow cake with chocolate icing on white plate

The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

stack of 5 chocolate chip cookies

The WORST Chocolate Chip Cookies

Slice of cheesecake

The Best Cheesecake Recipe

Potato soup in bowl, with toppings

The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup

Best Holiday Recipes!

christmas sugar cookie decorated with icing on white plate

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe (With Icing!)

Stack of decorated gingerbread cookie men on plate

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread slice with whipped topping

Gingerbread

cookies dipped in chocolate on marble surface

Butter Cookies

Peppermint bark fudge stacked

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Never miss a 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)

Copyright © 2021 · Sugar Spun Run

Privacy Policy|Accessibility Statement