Easy Homemade Pizza Dough from Scratch

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own pizza dough from scratch. The process is simpler than you might think, and the results are infinitely better than anything store-bought. This recipe has been my go-to for over a decade.

The key to perfect pizza dough is patience. Allowing the dough to rise slowly develops flavor and creates that perfect chewy texture. Once you master this basic dough, you can experiment with different flours and techniques.

Why This Recipe Is the Best

This dough strikes the perfect balance between crispy and chewy. The olive oil adds richness, while the slow rise develops complex flavors that will make your homemade pizza taste like it came from a brick oven pizzeria.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Combine: Make a well in flour and pour in yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Knead: Mix until dough comes together, then knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Place in oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth. Let rise 1 hour until doubled.
6. Divide: Punch down dough and divide into 2 equal portions.
7. Shape: On floured surface, roll or stretch each portion into a 12-inch circle.
8. Rest: Let shaped dough rest 10 minutes before topping.

Pro Tips

Water temperature matters: Too hot kills yeast; too cold won’t activate it. Use a thermometer.

Don’t rush the rise: For even better flavor, let dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.

High heat is essential: Preheat your oven as hot as it goes (500°F+) with a pizza stone if possible.

Storage & Reheating

Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Let frozen dough thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.

What’s your favorite pizza topping combination? Share in the comments!