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the best easy pizza dough recipe

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough

Author: Laura Bais
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!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Dough Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Finger Food
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 pizzas

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.
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