Skip delivery—make your own perfect pizza dough right at home! This easy, step-by-step guide will help you create the crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside crust of your dreams. Whether you like thin crust or thick and fluffy, this pizza dough recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough
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2 tsp (6g) active dry or instant yeast
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7/8 to 1 1/8 cups (210–270ml) lukewarm water, divided
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2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
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3 cups (361g) all-purpose flour
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1 1/4 tsp (7g) salt
Yields: 1 large or 2 medium pizzas
🔄 Step 1: Activate the Yeast (If Using Active Dry)
In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp yeast with 2 tbsp lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
Skip this step if using instant yeast.
🌀 Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine:
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Yeast (prepared or instant)
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Flour
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Olive oil
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Salt
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7/8 cup lukewarm water
Mix until sticky and combined. Add extra water gradually if too dry.
💪 Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead by hand on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead until smooth, soft, and stretchy—about 5–8 minutes.
⏳ Step 4: First Rise (Proof the Dough)
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temp for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Instant yeast rises faster than active dry.
📏 Step 5: Shape Your Pizza
Choose your pizza size:
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Two 14-inch thin crusts
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Two 12-inch medium crusts
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One thick 9x13-inch rectangle
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One large 14-inch round
Flour your surface and stretch (or roll) your dough to your preferred shape. Let it rest covered for 15 minutes.
🛑 Step 6: Pre-Bake the Dough
Grease your pan with olive oil or spray. Transfer the dough to the pan and stretch to edges.
Let it rest for another 15 minutes, then bake the crust alone at 500°F (260°C) on the lowest oven rack:
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Thin crust: 8 minutes
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Thick crust: 12–14 minutes
This step ensures a crispy yet chewy base.
🍕 Step 7: Add Sauce & Toppings
Get creative! Add:
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Sauce: tomato, pesto, white sauce
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Cheese: mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago
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Meats: pepperoni, sausage, chicken, ham
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Veggies: mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, broccoli
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Extras: pineapple, chili flakes, garlic oil
🔥 Step 8: Final Bake
Place topped pizza on the top oven rack. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese melts and crust is golden.
If crust browns too quickly, move to a lower rack.
⏲️ Step 9: Cool, Slice & Serve
Remove the pizza and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Use a pizza cutter or clean kitchen scissors. Serve hot with extra cheese or chili flakes on the side.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
With this no-fail homemade pizza dough recipe, you'll never settle for soggy takeout crust again. Customize every pie to your liking, and enjoy the perfect pizza night anytime—right from your own oven.
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