PIZZA DOUGH
Homemade pizza dough is the foundation of the perfect pie—crispy outside, soft inside, and endlessly versatile. Learn how to make authentic dough at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance.
INGREDIENTS
• All-purpose flour: 500 g / 4 cups
• Warm water (about 40°C / 105°F): 325 ml / 1⅓ cups
• Active dry yeast: 7 g / 2¼ tsp (1 packet)
• Olive oil: 30 ml / 2 tbsp or Butter (melted): 70 g / 5 tbsp (¼ cup)
• Salt: 10 g / 2 tsp
• Sugar: 5 g / 1 tsp
PREP TIME
15 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising time)
COOKING TIME
12–15 minutes (depending on oven heat and thickness)
STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Activate yeast – Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine dry ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients – Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until dough begins to form.
4. Knead the dough – Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise – Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size. (the time frame will vary depending on the season/ hotter or colder)
6. Punch down and shape – Deflate dough gently, divide into portions, and roll into pizza bases.
7. Pre-bake the dough either on a hot plate or skillet for 1–2 minutes per side, or alternatively, pre-bake in a preheated oven at 220°C / 425°F for approximately 5 minutes.
8. Prepare larger batches of dough, pre-cook the bases, and freeze them for convenient use at a later time.
HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
1. Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for chewier crust.
2. Don’t rush the rise—longer fermentation improves flavor and texture.
3. Preheat your oven fully; a hot oven is key to crisp crust or pan must be very hot when frying
4. Add olive oil to the dough for extra softness and flavor.
5. Freeze extra dough after the first rise; thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SLICE, BASE ONLY)
• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~28 g
• Protein: ~5 g
• Fat: ~3 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
DIETARY TAGS
• Vegetarian
• Dairy-free (before adding cheese)
• Nut-free
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
• Contains gluten (from wheat flour).
• Safe for nut-free diets.
• Dairy-free if cheese is not added.