Homemade Pizza Dough
Create your own homemade pizza dough from scratch with this simple and foolproof recipe that results in a soft, chewy crust perfect for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast Essential for helping the dough rise quickly.
- 1 cup warm water Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Forms the structure and body of the dough.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Adds sweetness and enhances yeast's effectiveness.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt Balances flavor and strengthens gluten.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Optional addition for enhanced flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, garlic powder, and salt, whisking together until well mixed.
- Form a well in the center of the flour mixture to prepare for the liquids.
- Slowly pour the warm water and olive oil into the well, then mix with a spatula until just incorporated.
- Flour a clean surface and add the shaggy dough. Flour your hands and fold the dough together to start kneading for about 8-10 minutes.
- Gradually add up to an additional ⅓ cup of flour as you knead to make it manageable.
- The dough should turn smooth with slight dimples when you’re done kneading.
- Lightly grease the dough ball with oil and place it in a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it sit for at least 1 hour in a warm area until it doubles in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough and fold it over itself.
- Split the dough into two balls, perfect for making two 10-inch pizzas.
- On a floured surface, shape one ball into a circular shape, rolling it out with a well-floured rolling pin to 10 inches in diameter.
- Lift the edges to form a raised rim, creating a crust that will hold your favorite toppings.
- Use the prepared dough for your favorite pizza recipe, then bake and enjoy!
Notes
Store unused dough in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for months. Thaw overnight before use. Consider adding herbs to enhance flavor, and try different flours for unique textures.