🍕 Perfect Pizza Dough Recipe
📝 Description
This perfect pizza dough recipe creates a soft, chewy interior with a crisp, golden crust—just like your favorite pizzeria. Whether you bake it in a home oven or on a pizza stone, this dough is easy to work with and delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Rise Time: 1–2 hours
🔥 Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2 medium pizzas
🛒 Ingredients
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3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
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1 ½ teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 40–43°C / 105–110°F)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
👉 If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive—start again with fresh yeast.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
👉 Tip: If the dough sticks too much, add a little flour—but don’t overdo it or the dough will become tough.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Divide and Rest
Punch down the dough to release air.
Divide into 2 equal portions.
Shape into balls and let them rest for 15–20 minutes—this makes stretching easier.
6. Shape the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) or as high as it will go.
Roll or stretch each dough ball into a 10–12 inch circle.
Transfer to a baking tray or pizza stone.
7. Add Toppings
Spread your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Keep it light—overloading can make the pizza soggy.
8. Bake
Bake for 10–15 minutes or until:
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crust is golden brown
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cheese is melted and bubbly
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve hot with:
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chili flakes 🌶️
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fresh basil 🌿
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olive oil drizzle 🫒
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Dough
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Use bread flour for a chewier crust
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Let dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight for deeper flavor
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Preheat your oven with a pizza stone for best results
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Don’t skip the resting step—it helps prevent shrinking
❄️ Storage
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Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days
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Freeze for up to 3 months (wrap tightly)
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before using
