Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
This unbeatable pizza dough recipe is a surefire way to elevate your homemade pizza game. It's easy to make and yields a delicious, restaurant-quality crust every time. So why not give this easy homemade pizza dough recipe a try at your next pizza night? It's perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or any time you're craving some delicious homemade pizza!
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
- 6 ½ cups pizza flour type 00* (about 800 grams)
- 0.5 oz fresh yeast or 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast**
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups warm water 480 ml
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl. Gently mix in the salt.
- Make a well in the center of the flour. Crumble the fresh yeast into the well and add the warm water.
- No need to wait for the yeast to activate—you can start mixing right away!
Mix and Knead
- Start mixing with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 15 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
- Alternatively, if you're using a stand mixer, combine all the ingredients in the mixer bowl and mix on medium speed for about 10 minutes.
Let the Dough Rise
- Lightly oil a large bowl and the surface of the dough.
- Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a large piece of plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Make sure there's enough room for the dough to double in size.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour.
- If not using the dough immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Prepare for Shaping
- When you're ready to make pizza, divide the dough into portions of about 9.5 oz (270 grams) each.
- Lightly knead each portion and let them rest in a warm spot for at least 20 minutes.
Shape the Pizza Dough
- Sprinkle some flour on a piece of parchment paper or your work surface.
- Using your fingers, shape each dough ball into a disk.
- Gently press and stretch the dough from the center outward, aiming for a thinner center and slightly thicker edges.
- Avoid using a rolling pin; stretching by hand helps keep the dough airy.
- Sometimes, I like to lift the dough and use my thumbs to stretch it in a circular motion in the air.
Add Toppings and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 435°F (225°C).
- Place your desired toppings on the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-13 minutes, depending on the amount of toppings and how crispy you like your crust.
Notes
*If you can't find type 00 flour, all-purpose flour works just fine.
**If using dry yeast, use 1 ½ teaspoons (about 5 grams). One packet of dry yeast (7 grams) equals 25 grams of fresh yeast.