Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Chewy, bubbly pizza dough with a crispy bottom — ready in under 2 hours
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
This homemade pizza dough produces a chewy, bubbly crust with a crispy bottom that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Five ingredients, minimal kneading, and about 2 hours of rise time is all that stands between you and the best pizza you've ever made at home.
The dough is intentionally wet — wetter than you think it should be. This extra hydration creates the large, airy bubbles and chewy texture that distinguish great pizza dough from bread. Don't fight it with extra flour; use oiled hands and trust the process.
A screaming hot oven (as high as it goes) with a preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet is the key to that crispy bottom. The intense heat mimics a pizza oven, cooking the crust in minutes and creating those gorgeous charred spots. This recipe makes enough for two large pizzas or four personal-sized ones.
About This Recipe
"Easy Homemade Pizza Dough" is a Dinner recipe that brings all-purpose flour (or bread flour), warm water (110°F), instant yeast (1 packet), olive oil, plus more for the bowl and sugar together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 27 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 4 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The Italian inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for the bowl
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy — this confirms your yeast is active.
- 2
Add olive oil, flour, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 3 minutes).
- 3
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- 4
Punch down the dough and divide in half. Shape each piece into a ball and let rest 10 minutes before stretching.
- 5
Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside. Stretch dough into circles using your hands — let gravity help by draping over your fists.
- 6
Top as desired and slide onto the hot stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and bubbly with charred spots. Let cool 2 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. All-purpose flour (or bread flour) is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Sheet pan and blender work especially well for this preparation. Because the recipe is beginner-friendly, it fits easily into balanced eating plans. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Easy Homemade Pizza Dough" is a versatile Dinner dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, crusty bread or dinner rolls and classic Italian sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Easy Homemade Pizza Dough keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish thickens in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Easy Homemade Pizza Dough?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking, for a total of roughly 27 minutes. It serves 4 and is rated Easy.
How do I store leftover Easy Homemade Pizza Dough?
Store leftover Easy Homemade Pizza Dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I make Easy Homemade Pizza Dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Easy Homemade Pizza Dough in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review this recipe!
