If you’ve ever dreamed of tossing dough in your kitchen like a true pizza pro, but you don’t have a mixer or a ton of time—this is your moment. This easy pizza dough recipe is a total game-changer. It’s simple, quick, and totally foolproof. Perfect for beginners, busy families, or anyone who wants homemade pizza without the stress.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need fancy equipment or secret ingredients. Just some pantry basics and a little kitchen confidence. This dough comes together in one bowl and gives you two soft, chewy 12-inch crusts. Whether you’re whipping up dinner after work or hosting a pizza night with the kids, this is the easy pizza dough you’ll come back to again and again.
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What You Need to Make Easy Pizza Dough
Let’s break down the ingredients. They’re super basic, but each one plays a role in creating that perfect pizza crust—chewy, flavorful, with just the right amount of crisp on the bottom.
- All-purpose flour – This gives your pizza structure and chew. You can substitute part of it with whole wheat flour if you’re feeling a little extra.
- Instant yeast – The secret to getting this dough to rise fast. No proofing necessary.
- Warm water – Around 100°F to 110°F. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast. Too cold, and nothing will happen.
- Olive oil – Adds flavor and keeps the crust from getting soggy.
- Salt and sugar – A little sweetness helps the yeast do its thing, and salt brings everything to life.
- Cornmeal (optional) – Great for dusting your pan. It adds texture and flavor.
- Garlic powder & Italian herbs (optional) – For those flavor seekers who want a little something extra in their dough.
Want more baking projects like this? Check out our homemade Italian bread recipe.
Lean Dough: Why This Pizza Dough Is Different
This easy pizza dough is what we call a “lean dough,” which means it doesn’t have butter, eggs, or milk. That’s a good thing here because lean dough bakes up crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside—exactly what you want in a pizza crust.
Unlike rich doughs used in cinnamon rolls or brioche, this basic dough recipe is straightforward and super adaptable. Whether you’re making a classic pepperoni or going fancy with prosciutto and arugula, this crust is your canvas.
How to Make Easy Pizza Dough (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Ready to get your hands doughy? Here’s how to make this easy pizza dough from scratch. No mixer needed, and you’ll only need one bowl. Trust me—you got this.
Mix the ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1 and 1/3 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes, just to wake the yeast up.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil
- Add 3.5 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead it out
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
- Knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
Let it rise
- Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel.
- Let it rise for 90 minutes in a warm place, or overnight in the fridge.
Punch, divide, and shape
- After it’s doubled in size, punch it down.
- Divide it into two equal balls.
- Roll or stretch each ball into a 12-inch circle.
Rest before topping
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes before adding your toppings. This prevents bubbling.
Bake!
- Preheat your oven to 475°F.
- Sprinkle your pan or pizza stone with cornmeal.
- Add toppings and bake for 13–15 minutes.
Want something similar but portable? Try our cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a pizza-inspired lunch.
Dough Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
Whether you’re new to making pizza or you’ve had one too many dough disasters, these tips will help make your easy pizza dough foolproof:
- Use a pizza stone if you have one. It makes a crispier crust.
- Don’t overload with toppings—less is more.
- Dough too sticky? Add a little flour. Too dry? Add a tablespoon of water.
- Let it rise in the fridge if you want to make it ahead.
- Freeze one dough ball for next time!
This soft chewy pizza base works great for kids, picky eaters, and creative cooks alike. For a fast pizza dough recipe that works on a busy weeknight, this is your go-to.
Want other time-saving ideas? Our crescent roll breakfast recipes are great crust hacks.
Topping Ideas: From Classic to Crazy
Your easy pizza dough is ready. Now what goes on top? Here are a few delicious ideas:
The classics:
- Tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil (Margherita)
- Pepperoni and mushroom
- Sausage, bell pepper, red onion
White pizza options:
- Ricotta, spinach, roasted garlic
- Mozzarella, parmesan, cracked black pepper
Creative combos:
- Apple & gorgonzola (with a drizzle of honey!)
- BBQ chicken and red onion
- Breakfast-style with eggs and bacon (try our breakfast pizza recipe)
Easy Pizza Dough Recipe (Printable Version)
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/3 cups warm water (100°F–110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3.5 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cornmeal for dusting
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder + 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, stir together water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix into a rough dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Let rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 90 minutes or overnight.
- Punch down, divide, and shape into 12-inch rounds.
- Rest 10 minutes before topping.
- Bake at 475°F for 13–15 minutes.
FAQs
Yes! Store it in the fridge overnight or freeze for later.
Wrap individual dough balls in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months.
Place in the fridge for 6–8 hours, then rest on the counter 30 minutes before shaping.
Absolutely. Roll it out thinner and bake a bit shorter.
Nope! This one has yeast and rises, which gives you a much better texture.
Easy Pizza Dough Recipe: Make Delicious Homemade Pizza Crust Tonight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 12-inch pizzas
Description
This easy pizza dough recipe is a total game-changer. Perfect for beginners, busy families, or anyone who wants homemade pizza without the stress. Soft, chewy, and crisp—it’s everything you want in a pizza crust.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/3 cups warm water (100°F-110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3.5 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cornmeal for dusting
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder + 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix into a rough dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Let rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 90 minutes or overnight.
- Punch down, divide, and shape into 12-inch rounds.
- Rest 10 minutes before topping.
- Bake at 475°F for 13–15 minutes.
Notes
Use a pizza stone for a crisper crust. Dough can be made ahead or frozen. Don’t overload with toppings—less is more!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of a pizza)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made pizza crust at home, this easy pizza dough recipe is your ticket in. It’s simple, forgiving, and wildly delicious. Once you make it once, you’ll want to keep a dough ball in your freezer at all times.
Want to pair your pizza with something hearty? Check out our homemade lasagna recipe for the ultimate Italian night in.
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