Name: Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490722H26M46S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups (300 g/10.5 oz) bread flour, sifted (or all-purpose flour); 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast; 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon (195 ml) warm water; Olive Oil (for greasing)

I’m so excited to share my Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe with you because it’s one of those magical basics that truly changes the pizza game at home. I love how this dough comes together with just a few simple ingredients and transforms into a soft, chewy base that can be topped with whatever your heart desires. Whether it’s a classic margherita or a loaded veggie feast, this dough provides the perfect foundation every time. It’s an absolute joy to make, and once you try it, I promise it’ll become a kitchen go-to for your pizza nights.

Why You'll Love This Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

What captivates me most about this Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe is its wonderfully balanced flavor and texture. The dough develops that satisfying chewiness paired with a gently crisp exterior after baking, and the flavor is subtle but rich with just the right touch of salt and sweetness. It isn’t heavy or overpowering, which means the toppings really get their chance to shine. I’ve always appreciated a dough that acts as a perfect canvas, and this one truly fits the bill.

Another fantastic thing about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. I remember feeling intimidated by pizza dough before, but this approach takes all that worry away. You only need common pantry staples, and if you have a mixer with a dough hook, it makes the process even more hands-off. Even if you don’t, bringing the dough together by hand is totally doable. It also fits into my busy schedule nicely because I can prep it in advance and either let it rise quickly or refrigerate it overnight.

For me, this dough shines on any occasion. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy dinner party, it delivers consistently excellent results. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work as a base for stuffed crust, hand-tossed style, or a thin-crust pizza, which means you can get creative depending on your mood or the toppings you have on hand. That’s what makes this recipe really special: it adapts to your needs and makes pizza night feel like an event without the fuss.

Ingredients You'll Need

A plain, round pizza dough spread out on a white marbled surface, surrounded by small white bowls containing shredded white cheese, red pizza sauce, and stacked pepperoni slices. There is also a small white bowl with yellow oil next to a pastry brush, plus a wooden board sprinkled with flour and cornmeal partially visible at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe lies in its beautifully simple ingredient list. Each component plays an essential role in building flavor, texture, or structure, ensuring your pizza crust turns out just right.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Bread flour (or all-purpose flour): Provides structure and chewiness; bread flour yields a chewier crust.
Granulated sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for balanced dough development.
Instant dry yeast: The magic behind the rise — it activates quickly without needing to proof.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour, creating that elastic dough texture.
Olive oil: Used to grease the bowl so the dough doesn’t stick and stays moist during rising.

Directions

Step 1: In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the sifted flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix them briefly until fully combined so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Attach the dough hook to your mixer and start mixing on low speed. Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, letting everything come together into a rough dough ball. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Once combined, increase the mixer speed to low-medium and continue kneading the dough for approximately 7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but pulling away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time; if it feels dry, add a bit more water.

Step 4: Brush a large bowl with olive oil and place your dough inside. Toss it gently so the entire surface is coated with oil—this step keeps the dough from drying out during its rest. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.

Step 5: Let the dough rest in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size. If you prefer a slower rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight or up to 24 hours. Just remember to bring it to room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before shaping.

Step 6: When your dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release any excess air. It’s now ready to be shaped into the pizza base of your choice. From here, you can add sauces, toppings, and bake to your heart’s content!

Servings and Timing

This Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe yields about one large pizza base—perfect for one very hungry person or to share between two with lots of toppings. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.

Prep time: Around 10 minutes to mix and knead the dough.

Rise time: 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, or alternatively overnight in the refrigerator.

Cook time: Varies depending on your oven and pizza thickness but generally 10 to 15 minutes at a high temperature (450°F/230°C).

Total time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes including rise if rising at room temperature.

How to Serve This Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

A round pizza with a golden brown crust sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. The pizza has a base layer of red tomato sauce, topped with melted white cheese blobs spread unevenly, and fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. One slice is being lifted by a woman's hand, showing the soft, slightly bubbly texture of the cheese. Around the board, some small bowls with white sauce and other green basil leaves are visible. The whole scene looks fresh and colorful, with natural light highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this pizza fresh out of a hot oven so that the crust is perfectly crisp on the outside yet tender inside. For a classic experience, I pair it with a simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s simplicity that never disappoints.

To elevate the presentation, I like to sprinkle some finely chopped fresh herbs on top just before serving—oregano or parsley work beautifully. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider slicing the pizza into smaller portions and serving with sides like a crisp green salad or garlic buttered breadsticks to provide tasty contrast and variety.

When it comes to drinks, this dough shines with a chilled glass of Italian red wine like Chianti or a refreshing sparkling water with a wedge of lemon for a non-alcoholic option. I also find that homemade lemonade or an herbal iced tea pairs nicely with lighter vegetable toppings for a summery touch. These serving suggestions make it clear why this pizza dough is such a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or just a fun weeknight treat.

Variations

One of the great joys of this Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe is how adaptable it is. For instance, if bread flour isn’t on hand, I’ve had excellent results using all-purpose flour, even if the texture is a bit less chewy. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a heartier texture, though you might need to adjust water quantities for hydration.

If you follow a gluten-free diet, I recommend looking for a reliable gluten-free flour blend designed for bread making—just note this may affect how the dough rises and feels. Vegan friends will be happy to know this dough is naturally vegan, containing no eggs or dairy, so it fits easily into plant-based diets.

For flavor, I sometimes add a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or garlic powder directly into the dough for an herby twist that permeates the crust. Another fun option is to cook the dough on a grill instead of the oven, which infuses it with a subtle smoky flavor and crisps it beautifully. This flexibility means you can make this dough your own while always enjoying that perfect homemade pizza experience.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover dough after shaping or rolling out, the best way to store it is to place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The dough will keep well up to 48 hours in the fridge and can still produce a great crust when baked later. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature and rise slightly before using.

Freezing

This dough freezes very well, making it practical for batch prep. To freeze, shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature for at least 30 to 60 minutes before shaping and baking.

Reheating

If you have leftover baked pizza, reheating in the oven is best to restore its crispness. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the pizza on a baking sheet directly on the oven rack, and warm for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy because microwaves tend to make it soggy. Reheated pizza that way tastes almost as good as freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I make this pizza dough without a mixer?

Absolutely! You can combine the ingredients in a large bowl and knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It takes a bit more effort, but the results are just as delicious.

What temperature should the water be for activating yeast?

The water should be warm to the touch but not hot—ideally around 95°F to 110°F (35°C to 43°C). Too hot and it could kill the yeast; too cold and the yeast won’t activate properly, which affects the rise.

Can I skip the sugar in the recipe?

While sugar helps the yeast activate and contributes a slight sweetness, you can omit it if you prefer. Just know that the dough might take a little longer to rise, and the flavor could be slightly less nuanced.

How do I know when the dough has doubled in size?

After resting, the dough should visibly expand to roughly twice its original volume and look puffier. When poked gently with a finger, the indentation should remain, showing that the dough is well-proofed and ready to shape.

Can this dough be used for other bread recipes?

This dough is specifically formulated for pizza with its hydration level and kneading method, but with slight adjustments, like additional rising time or shaping methods, it can work for simple flatbreads or focaccia. However, for fluffy sandwich bread, you'd want a recipe tailored for that texture.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you try this Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe at home because it has brought so much joy and deliciousness to my kitchen. It’s approachable, reliable, and adaptable—the kind of recipe that opens a world of homemade pizza possibilities. Baking your own pizza dough feels so rewarding, and I’m confident you’ll fall in love with this recipe just as much as I have. So grab your ingredients and get ready for some seriously satisfying pizza nights ahead!