Best Easy Pizza Dough Recipe (2024)

Skip the store bought pizza dough and learn how to make this easy pizza dough!

Once you know how to make this simple dough and our Homemade Pizza Sauce, the kinds of pizza you can make will only be limited to your imagination!

To make your own pizza dough, you’ll need flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil.

Simple ingredients that offer big flavor. The perfect pizza dough every single time waiting for you to pile on your favorite pizza toppings.

I used my KitchenAid mixer to whip up this pizza dough. It saves your hands from kneading and creates the perfect pizza dough every single time.

My motto is that any night is a good night to have pizza.

I’m also a firm believer that everything tastes better either topping a pizza or in a tortilla.

Also, try out my pizza sandwich recipe, or for breakfast try these mini fresh fruit pizzas, or try out my homemade pull apart pizza bread.

Pizza Dough Ingredients

• Flour
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Olive Oil
• Water

How to Make Pizza Dough

The full measurements for the ingredients are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

This is a visual walk through on how to make this homemade pizza dough.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Step 2: The instructions are slightly different if you’re doing this completely by hand or if you’re using a stand mixer. I’ve included both sets of instructions for you below.

BY HAND

1. Place flour into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center.
2. Add yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil and water and stir until combined.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes or until a smooth ball forms.

IN KITCHENAID

1. Place flour into a stand mixers bowl and make a well in the center.
2. Using a dough hook, add yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil and water and turn on low combined (about 3 minutes).
3. Turn to medium and knead for 5-10 minutes or until a smooth ball forms.

Step 3: Place dough ball into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or clean cloth. Set in a warm place for 30 minutes or until dough has doubled.

Step 4: Turn dough out on a floured surface and punch the dough to remove excess air, knead lightly.

Step 5: Divide dough into 4.

Step 6: Spread with pizza sauce, desired toppings and bake in 450 degree preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Allow pizza cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Makes enough dough for 4 10-12″ thin pizzas.

*Saving Dollars and Sense Tip:You can save on the cost of making pizza by using plain spaghetti sauce as pizza sauce. I use the lowest priced kind that you can get in a can usually under $1 whenever I am in a hurry and can’t make my own homemade pizza sauce.

Expert Tips

• Let the dough rise: Give the dough enough time to rise so that it becomes light and airy. The ideal rise time can vary depending on the recipe, but a good rule of thumb is to let it rise until it has doubled in size.
• Knead the dough: Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, which gives it its structure and texture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Using a stand mixer helps tremendously with this step.
• Rest the dough: After kneading, allow the dough to rest for a few minutes before shaping. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to shape
• Use a hot oven: Preheat your oven for at least 10 minutes before you go to place the pizza in the oven. This is a must to create the perfect pizza crust.
• Don’t overload the toppings: Be careful not to overload the pizza with too many toppings. This can cause the crust to become soggy and the pizza won’t cook evenly. A general rule of thumb is to use no more than three toppings.

Storing Pizza Dough

Refrigerator

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours.

This slow rise in the refrigerator allows the dough to develop flavor and texture.

Freezer

You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.

Divide the dough into portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped dough in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

To thaw the dough, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.

Why I Love Making Homemade Pizza Dough

• Customization: Making your own pizza dough allows you to customize the crust to your liking. You can experiment with different types of flour, adjust the thickness of the crust, and add your preferred seasonings.
• Healthier option: Homemade pizza dough can be made with healthier ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, and you can control the amount of salt, sugar, and oil used in the recipe.
• Cost-effective: Making pizza dough at home can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made dough or ordering pizza from a restaurant.
• Fun activity: Making pizza dough from scratch can be a fun and enjoyable activity, especially if you involve your family or friends.
• Freshness: Homemade pizza dough is fresher than pre-made dough, which can have preservatives and additives to extend its shelf life. Additionally, you can make the dough just before you’re ready to use it, ensuring the freshest possible crust for your pizza.

What are some of you favorite toppings for pizza?

More Homemade Pizza Recipes

If you like this homemade recipe, you’ll love these ones too:

• Homemade Pizza Sauce – This is the simplest pizza sauce recipe ever!
• Biscuit Pizza Bread – This pull apart bread is a great appetizer or snack for pizza lovers.
• Grilled Pepperoni Pizza Sandwich – This has always been one of my kids favorite things to eat.
• Mini Fruit Pizzas – These mini pizzas taste more like dessert!