What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making your own pizza dough is easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it! You’ll love how this recipe is simple, fun, and lets you get creative with toppings.
- It’s quick—just a few minutes of prep and a short rise time, and you’re ready to bake.
- It’s versatile—perfect for classic margherita, loaded veggie, or even dessert pizza.
- It’s budget-friendly—basic pantry ingredients mean no fancy shopping trips needed.
Recipe
Intro:
Making pizza dough from scratch is easier than you think and yields a delicious, crispy crust. This simple recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort for perfect homemade pizza every time.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups (350ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough, divide if needed, and roll out on a floured surface to desired thickness.
Notes:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for later use.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising)
Cuisine: Italian
Serving: Makes 2 medium pizzas or 1 large pizza (serves 4–6).
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided below is for one serving of homemade pizza dough, based on the standard recipe ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
What To Serve With It
Once I’ve got my pizza dough ready, I love loading it up with classic toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and mozzarella. To balance out the meal, I’ll often pair it with fresh side dishes, like a crisp green salad or garlic bread. It’s a simple way to make the whole experience feel complete and delicious.
Classic Pizza Toppings
When I make pizza dough from scratch, I love keeping toppings simple yet flavorful, focusing on ingredients that pair perfectly with the crust. Fresh mozzarella cheese is my go-to, melting into that perfect stretchy layer, while a thin spread of tomato sauce adds a tangy base. I always add a sprinkle of basil leaves for a fresh, herbal kick. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss on some pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. A drizzle of olive oil before baking brings everything together, creating a golden, crispy crust with just the right balance of flavors. It’s classic, comforting, and always a hit.
Fresh Side Dishes
A few fresh side dishes can really make your homemade pizza meal feel complete, and I’ve got some favorites that are easy to whip up. A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds a nice contrast to the cheesy pizza. Roasted garlic bread, brushed with butter and herbs, is always a hit at my table. For something lighter, try a simple caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. If you’re feeling fancy, grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers add color and flavor. These sides balance the richness of pizza and keep everyone coming back for more!
