Homemade Pizza Dough

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

This dough offers a soft, chewy texture perfect for family pizza nights. Combining simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, olive oil, and water, it rises for 1–2 hours to develop elasticity and flavor. Kneading and resting the dough ensures a smooth, elastic base that bakes to a golden crisp. Using a pizza stone enhances crust texture, while whole wheat substitutions add fiber and aroma. Extra portions can be frozen after rising for convenient use later.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:16:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly homemade pizza dough, ready to be topped and baked with delicious family favorites. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbly homemade pizza dough, ready to be topped and baked with delicious family favorites. | metrochop.com

A soft, chewy, and flavorful pizza dough perfect for family pizza nights. This recipe yields a versatile base for any topping combination and bakes up golden and delicious every time.

This dough has become our go-to for family pizza nights, bringing everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 4 cups (500 g) bread flour (plus more for dusting), 2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet), 1½ tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp sugar
  • Wet Ingredients: 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water (approx. 110°F/43°C), 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2:
Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Add a little extra flour if sticky.)
Step 4:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Step 5:
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6:
Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions for large pizzas (or more for smaller pizzas).
Step 7:
Shape each portion into a ball. Rest for 10–15 minutes, covered.
Step 8:
Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Step 9:
Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Top as desired and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Close-up of freshly kneaded homemade pizza dough, smelling yeasty, ready for the first rise. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of freshly kneaded homemade pizza dough, smelling yeasty, ready for the first rise. | metrochop.com

Our family loves making and sharing this homemade dough during weekend pizza nights, making every meal feel special.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, kitchen scale (optional but recommended), clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, rolling pin, baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand check labels if concerned.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 260, Total Fat: 3.5 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 7 g (per serving, based on 6 servings, dough only)

Two perfect, risen balls of homemade pizza dough, soft and anticipating delicious toppings and baking. Save to Pinterest
Two perfect, risen balls of homemade pizza dough, soft and anticipating delicious toppings and baking. | metrochop.com

This homemade pizza dough is simple yet versatile, making it the perfect start for countless delicious pizzas.

Recipe FAQ

How long should the dough rise?

Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size, which helps create a light and airy texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, substituting up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour adds flavor and fiber without compromising dough consistency.

What temperature is best for baking dough?

Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes to achieve a golden and crisp crust.

How can I make the crust crispier?

Baking on a preheated pizza stone helps create a crispier crust by evenly distributing heat.

Is it possible to freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze extra dough portions after the first rise and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before shaping.

Homemade Pizza Dough

Soft, chewy dough yielding golden crusts ideal for a variety of flavorful pizza creations.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Bake/Cook Time
15 minutes
Time Needed
30 minutes
Recipe By Elizabeth Perry


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Needs Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
02 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
04 1 teaspoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

01 1½ cups warm water (approx. 110°F)
02 2 tablespoons olive oil

How-To Steps

Step 01

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast gently. Allow to rest 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.

Step 03

Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 04

First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat, then cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for 1–2 hours until doubled.

Step 05

Divide and Rest: Punch down risen dough and divide into 2 equal parts. Shape each into a ball and rest covered for 10–15 minutes.

Step 06

Shape Dough: Roll out each ball on a floured surface to desired thickness.

Step 07

Bake: Place dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Add toppings as desired and bake at 475°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen scale (optional)
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergy Notes

Always check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 7 g