The Best Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 call-purpose flour OR bread flour¹)
divided (250-295g
- 1 packetinstant yeast²
2 ¼ teaspoon
- 1 ½ tspsugar
- ¾ tspsalt
- ⅛ tspgarlic powder and/or dried basil leaves
- 2 tbspolive oil
+ additional
- ¾ cwarm water³
Directions
- 1
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.
- 2
Add olive oil and warm water and use a wooden spoon to stir well very well.
- 3
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.
- 4
Drizzle a separate, large, clean bowl generously with olive oil and use a pastry brush to brush up the sides of the bowl.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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).
- 8
Use either your hands or a rolling pin to work the dough into 12" circle.
- 9
Transfer dough to a parchment paper lined pizza pan and either pinch the edges or fold them over to form a crust.
- 10
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.
- 11
Use a fork to poke holes all over the center of the pizza to keep the dough from bubbling up in the oven.
- 12
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.
The Best Pizza Dough Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craft the Ultimate Pizza Night with The Best Pizza Dough Recipe
Elevate your homemade pizza game from good to absolutely legendary with our recipe for The Best Pizza Dough. Forget store-bought crusts; learning how to make this delicious, easy-to-handle pizza dough recipe will revolutionize your dinner table. This recipe yields a perfect, chewy, and flavorful pizza crust that's the ideal foundation for all your favorite toppings.
What makes this homemade pizza dough truly stand out? It's all about the balance. We use a precise combination of instant yeast and a touch of sugar to ensure a beautiful rise, while a hint of salt and optional garlic powder or dried basil infuses flavor directly into the crust itself. Imagine biting into a slice where the very base is fragrant and savory, not just a vehicle for cheese and sauce! With just 15 minutes of prep and an hour total, you'll be on your way to a gourmet experience.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Dough
- Flour Choice: While all-purpose flour works wonderfully for a tender crust, consider using bread flour for an even chewier texture, thanks to its higher protein content. Experiment to find your perfect preference!
- Warm Water is Key: Ensure your water is warm (but not hot) to properly activate the instant yeast. This gives your dough the best chance for a light, airy rise.
- Don't Skimp on Olive Oil: A little extra olive oil for kneading and resting adds richness and prevents sticking, resulting in a beautifully golden and crisp crust once baked.
Gather your favorite pizza toppings and get ready to create an unforgettable meal. This pizza dough is so versatile, it's perfect for a classic Margherita, a loaded supreme, or even a unique dessert pizza. Get ready for applause!