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Why I Love to Make Pizza Dough
I confess: I’m a pizza fanatic. This intense appreciation stems from the simple fact that there are endless creations and combinations to try. And when summer is approaching, and the garden is blossoming, my head is always spinning with the thought of herb- and tomato-adorned fresh pizzas. So it’s a perfect idea to have this pizza dough recipe ready at all times, whenever the mood strikes.
I’ve always maintained that if you are having a small get-together or an off-the-cuff company, pizza is one of the quickest options. Many of you may be wondering, “Why not just order a pizza?” While that may be easier, making pizza is so rewarding.
The best part: Use this dough with any toppings you love, so it’s customized to your exact palate. For variety, you can even add seasonings and spices directly to the dough while mixing. How fun is that?!
Here’s why you’ll love making pizza dough, too:
- Made with 5 simple pantry ingredients, including instant yeast (no activation step).
- Super easy to knead by hand.
- Creates a customizable pizza: from 12 to 14 inches.
- Bakes up chewy and tender with crisp edges
- Freezes beautifully for any future pizza nights.
Pizza Dough Ingredients
You only need 5 ingredients to make this easy pizza dough recipe:
- Warm water – Warm enough (about 100° to 110°F) to help the yeast activate more quickly without overheating.
- Kosher salt – Seasons the dough all the way through.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Adds flavor and helps create a supple dough. Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, I recommend using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- All-purpose flour – Gives the crust structure while keeping it easy to work with.
- Instant yeast – Makes this a simple, reliable dough with no separate activating step.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
This recipe originally appeared in my cookbook, There’s Always Room at the Table, which was published on March 4, 2025.
How to Make Pizza Dough
There are 4 steps to make this pizza dough:
Step 1: Mix the base – In a large bowl, combine the warm water, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Stir until the salt dissolves. Add the flour and instant yeast. Stir until the dough forms a wet, shaggy mass.
Step 2: Knead the dough – Knead until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball. It will feel slightly sticky, and that is exactly right. At this point, the dough can be frozen for future use.
Step 3: Let it rise – Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to a medium bowl. Roll the dough in the oil so it is coated completely. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape and bake – Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the rack in the lower third of the oven. Press, stretch, or roll the dough into a 12- to 14-inch round. Add tomato or marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is browned, about 18-23 minutes. Remove and serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- A slightly sticky dough is good! – Don’t add too much extra flour. A tacky dough bakes into a more tender crust.
- Give it a warm place to rise – Dough rises best in a warm spot where it can double in size without drying out.
- Freeze before the rise – This is the easiest point to freeze the dough, so it’s ready for a future pizza night.
- Mix up the flour – For a slightly healthier crust, you can substitute half a cup of white flour for whole wheat flour.
- Use this as a foundation – This dough works just as well for a simple cheese pizza as it does for roasted vegetables, sausage, or fresh herbs from the garden.
Follow These Tips
Serving
Once you’ve added your toppings and baked it, serve the pizza hot. The crust will be crisp around the edges but tender in the center. A simple salad on the side is always a good idea, and a little fresh basil or some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top makes it feel even better.
Storage
Refrigerate – If you want to prep ahead, place the oiled dough in a covered bowl or container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before shaping.
Freeze – Freeze the raw dough, wrapped tightly, before the rise for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 12 hours, then let it rise at room temperature until doubled, then shape.
Reheat – If the pizza has already been baked, for a crisp crust, set the pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a 375°F oven until warmed through and crisp again, about 8-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. After the dough is mixed and kneaded, place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature until it is easier to press out, then continue as written.
Yes. Freeze the dough before the rise for an easy make-ahead option. Wrap it well, freeze it, and then thaw it in the refrigerator for 12 hours before continuing with the recipe.
No. This dough is simple enough to mix and knead by hand, which is one of the reasons I love it so much for an easy pizza night.
A slightly sticky dough is totally normal and can actually help create a more artisanal crisp crust. Try not to work in too much extra flour, or the dough can become heavy and dry.
This recipe is designed for one 12- to 14-inch round pizza. Press it evenly so the center is not too thin, and leave a little extra thickness around the edges if you like a more defined crust.
Bake it on the lower third of the oven so the bottom crust has a better chance to brown well. If you like, preheat the pan or stone first for a little extra crispness.
More Pizza Recipes
- Homemade barbecue chicken pizza
- Homemade roasted vegetable pizza
- Egg and bacon breakfast pizza
- Sausage, pesto, and spinach pizza
- Portobello mushroom pizzas
- Jodi’s pizza meatloaf
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Easy Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (100°F to 110°F)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil separated
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 pkg) instant yeast
Instructions
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the water, salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil, stirring to dissolve the salt. Add the flour and yeast and mix until a wet, shaggy dough forms.1 cup warm water (100°F to 110°F), 1 tsp kosher salt, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ¼ tsp (1 pkg) instant yeast
- Knead: On a lightly-floured surface, knead the dough until it forms a cohesive mass. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Rise: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to a medium bowl, then roll the prepared dough in the oil, coating it completely. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and bake: After resting, use with any pizza recipe or form, press, or roll out the dough into a 12- to 14-inch round and top with sauce and toppings. Bake on the lower third of the oven for 18-23 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is browned. Remove and serve hot.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
Hi Kaleb
Just signed up for the emails. Love all your videos (especially with Kip included) and recipes that are amazing! Going to be making pizza today using this recipe and have confidence it will come out great as all of your recipes do. Thanks!😊❤Karen
A very basic and easy dough recipe. Yeast doughs and I sometimes don’t work too well but this recipe turned out beautiful and made a delicious crust for my pizza!
My entire family loved this pizza dough❤️
I love watching u!!!
I love gardening, landscaping, canning, antiquing, cooking ( well eating really!!!)
My love to Kip!!!😘
You’ve inspired me! Perhaps a phone call to the local pizza shack won’t be coming from my phone next time I hear “let’s have some pizza”!! 🙂
We are so glad to have inspired you Susan!