Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

Hey I’m John and today I’m showing you how to make an easy, versatile pizza dough so let’s get started.

Ingredients & First Steps

First off, in the bowl of your stand mixer (or a big bowl if you’re making this by hand) add ¾ cup of warm water (about 100–110 °F). If it’s a cold day and your bowl is ice-cold, run it under some hot water, swish it around, and dump it out; that way the yeast will be nice and happy.

To the warm water add one ¼-oz packet (7 g) active dry yeast—not instant yeast. Our yeast needs a little food to wake up, so add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (honey or brown sugar work too). Give this a mix and set it aside for 5–7 minutes, or until you see a nice foamy head on top. No foam? Start over with fresh yeast.

Flour Choices

Time to add the flour: 2 cups (240 g). Choices:

• All-purpose flour (today’s pick)
• Bread flour for a chewier crust
• Double-zero flour for a thin, crisp pizza with good chew

Bread flour has more protein (gluten), giving that chewy characteristic.

Seasoning the Dough

Add:

• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar (total 3 tsp in the recipe)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Mixing & Kneading

Mix on low for about 1 minute until the dough comes together, then increase to medium-low for 5 minutes. The dough should form a ball and have some elasticity. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour; if too dry, add warm water a tablespoon at a time.

Optional: finish by hand. Lightly flour the counter, transfer the dough, and give it a couple of stretches and folds to ensure it’s elastic and cohesive.

First Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl, add the dough, turn to coat, cover with a damp cloth or plastic, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled.

Flavor Boosts

For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, oregano, Italian seasoning) or ½ teaspoon garlic or onion powder to the dough.

Shaping the Dough

Preheat your oven to 450 °F. Punch the dough down and stretch it into a circle (no rolling pin required). Keep a thicker edge for the crust; tuck in cheese for stuffed crust if desired.

Topping & Baking

Spread a thin layer of sauce, leaving a border. Top with mozzarella and any favorite cheeses or toppings. Bake at 450 °F for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Slice and enjoy—crisp crust with great chew, the perfect vehicle for delicious pizza.