Name: Classic Pizza Dough Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; Extra flour for dusting

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No Italian feast is truly complete without a beautifully crafted Classic Pizza Dough. This foundation of every great pizzeria-style pie is wonderfully simple yet endlessly adaptable, with just the right chew and crispness to make any toppings shine. Whether you’re planning a fun family pizza night or just want a comforting, fresh-baked crust as a blank canvas for your wildest creations, this recipe is your ticket to homemade pizza bliss. Classic Pizza Dough brings everyone together around the table—and trust me, it’s so easy and satisfying, you’ll never want store-bought again!

Classic Pizza Dough Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to make truly amazing pizza at home. Each component plays a key role in achieving that golden crust, chewy crumb, and authentic flavor that defines great Classic Pizza Dough. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The perfect base for a soft yet sturdy crust, it gives structure to your dough while remaining light and airy.
Active dry yeast (1 packet or 2 1/4 teaspoons): This tiny powerhouse brings your dough to life, creating those irresistible bubbles and a delicious rise.
Warm water (1 1/4 cups, about 110°F): Feeds the yeast and helps everything blend together smoothly—too hot and it can kill the yeast, so aim for pleasantly warm, not hot.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds flavor, keeps the dough moist, and encourages that beautiful golden crust in the oven.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Gives the yeast a little snack to jumpstart fermentation and lends a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out richness and depth—without it, your dough just tastes flat!
Extra flour for dusting: Prevents sticking while kneading and shaping, making sure your Classic Pizza Dough is easy to handle.

How to Make Classic Pizza Dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start your Classic Pizza Dough adventure by combining the warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Wait 5–10 minutes—this is when the magic happens! You’ll know the yeast is alive and well when you see a bubbly, foamy layer on the surface. Watching it come to life never gets old, and this step lays the groundwork for a perfect rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a little well in the middle and pour in your yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Gently stir everything together with a wooden spoon or your hand until a shaggy dough starts to form. Your kitchen will fill with that unmistakable, yeasty aroma—it’s the first sign that delicious things are coming your way!

Step 3: Knead It to Perfection

Turn the rough dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Now, the real fun begins: knead for 8–10 minutes using the heels of your hands, folding and pressing until the dough is silky, elastic, and totally smooth. At first, it might feel sticky, but as you keep working it, you’ll feel the transformation beneath your fingertips—a true test of patience and love.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl and place your dough ball inside, turning it to coat so it doesn’t dry out while rising. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm, cozy spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. There’s something so satisfying about checking back and seeing your Classic Pizza Dough all puffed up, ready for shaping!

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Punch down the risen dough to release the air, then divide into two equal pieces if making medium pizzas. Roll or gently stretch each piece on a floured surface to your preferred shape and thickness (classic round, rustic oval—whatever speaks to you!). Add your sauce and favorite toppings, then bake in a hot oven at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and crisp. The heavenly smell in your kitchen will have everyone sneaking a peek.

How to Serve Classic Pizza Dough

Garnishes

Once your pizza emerges from the oven, a few finishing touches can take it from great to unforgettable. Scatter fresh basil, shave some parmesan, or swirl a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil over the hot slices. These little flourishes boost both the flavor and the wow factor, making every bite feel special and full of personality.

Side Dishes

While Classic Pizza Dough is a star all on its own, pairing your homemade pizza with some simple sides turns the meal into a full-on event! Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette or a bowl of garlicky roasted vegetables. Some people love a side of marinara for dipping those extra crust edges—don’t be shy to get creative.

Creative Ways to Present

Classic Pizza Dough isn’t just for standard pizza rounds—try pressing it into a baking sheet for a focaccia-style slab, cutting it into mini pizza bites for parties, or rolling it ultra-thin for flatbread. No matter how you shape or top it, everyone will delight in the homemade taste and golden edges. Let your imagination take over!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra classic pizza dough or baked pizza, don’t fret—it keeps surprisingly well! Wrap any unused dough tightly in plastic wrap or place slices in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making for effortless weeknight dinners or lunches.

Freezing

Classic pizza dough is a freezer champ. After its first rise, lightly coat the dough with olive oil, place it in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to three months. When the pizza craving calls, just thaw overnight in the fridge. This trick means you can always have the foundation for a fresh homemade pie at your fingertips.

Reheating

To bring leftover pizza back to life, skip the microwave and reheat in a hot oven or on a skillet. Five to eight minutes at 375°F will give you a slice that’s as crisp and delicious as the day it was baked. If you’re reheating raw dough, let it come to room temperature, shape, and proceed as usual for that signature Classic Pizza Dough experience.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour will give your Classic Pizza Dough a chewier texture and more structure, which many people love. Just note that it might need a splash more water during mixing.

How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

If your yeast turns foamy and bubbly after sitting in warm water and sugar for about 10 minutes, you know it’s alive and ready for action. If nothing happens, it’s sadly time to start fresh with a new packet.

Can I let the dough rise overnight?

Yes, and you absolutely should if you have the time! A slow, cold ferment in the fridge will develop even deeper flavors in your Classic Pizza Dough and can make the crust even more delicious.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Sticky dough can be intimidating, but just sprinkle a little extra flour onto your hands and work surface as you knead. Avoid adding too much, though—the dough should be slightly tacky for best results.

Do I need a pizza stone to bake this dough?

No stone? No problem! While a pizza stone helps create a crispier base, you can still achieve beautiful results using a preheated baking sheet or a well-oiled oven-safe skillet. Classic Pizza Dough is adaptable and always yields tasty results.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like the smell and taste of Classic Pizza Dough made from scratch in your own kitchen. It’s a joy to make, endlessly versatile, and sure to impress every pizza lover at your table. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and see just how easy and rewarding perfect homemade pizza can be!

Classic Pizza Dough Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 2 medium pizzas 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Learn how to make classic pizza dough at home with this easy recipe. This versatile dough is perfect for creating your favorite pizza combinations.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Extra flour for dusting

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast on top, let sit until foamy.
Mix Dough: Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, stir into a rough dough.
Knead: Turn dough out, knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
Rise: Place dough in oiled bowl, let rise for 1-1 1/2 hours until doubled.
Shape & Bake: Divide dough, roll into shape, add toppings, bake at 475°F for 12–15 minutes.