There's no need for takeout when homemade pizza dough is so easy to make. Just a few pantry staples are all you need to have a delicious start to homemade pizza that will make you forget all about the local pizza joint!
As a teenager, I worked at a pizza franchise answering phones, tossing pizza dough in the air, and making a gazillion pizzas on busy Saturday nights. I had an absolute blast! Some of my best memories were made with the friends I met there and have remained in contact with for years now. The restaurant was located near a government military base, and I met people from all over the world.
While the franchise’s way of making pizza was pretty good, nothing beats a homemade version, in my opinion. Pizza dough is really made up of only 6 basic ingredients, plus a little garlic powder simply because we love garlic so much! This homemade pizza dough creates a soft and chewy crust that comes together quickly in just one bowl.
If you have little ones who enjoy helping out, making homemade pizza is the perfect time to let them help. My BBQ Chicken Pizza with homemade barbecue sauce is a family favorite!
The ingredients needed for homemade pizza dough are:
Active Dry Yeast
You can find dry yeast at just about any supermarket. My local dollar stores even have it, though I’m not sure how great the quality of it is. I typically purchase Red Star’s Organic Active Yeast. I’m not an affiliate with them, I’ve just never had any issues with it. Active Dry Yeast is typically what I have on hand the most often and I don’t really mind the additional few minutes it takes to proof it.
To proof active dry yeast, you simply just add it to warm water to activate it. The water should be at least 110 degrees but no more than 130 degrees. If the water is too hot it will kill the yeast. After a few minutes, you should start to see the yeast bloom. It should look a bit frothy in the water. If there are no changes to the yeast, then it has likely expired, and you’ll need to start a new batch.
You can absolutely use Instant Dry Yeast and skip the proofing process!
Granulated Sugar
Sugar not only adds flavor to the dough but also helps to activate the yeast.
All-Purpose Flour
You can absolutely use gluten-free flour for this recipe; however, I used organic, unbleached, all-purpose flour. To ensure accurate flour measurements, use a spoon to add the flour to your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge, like the back of a butterknife.
Oil
I absolutely love using my Cayenne and garlic-infused olive oil. I use it in just about everything I make. The use of it here is to flavor the dough and help keep it from sticking to the bowl.
Salt
Simple table salt is probably the most underestimated and most used ingredient in our kitchen. It adds so much flavor and helps to tighten and strengthen the gluten structure. Pizza is no fun at all if the toppings fall straight through the dough!
Garlic Powder
As I mentioned, we just love the taste of garlic. It adds such a warm flavor that pairs so well with the acidity of tomato sauce.
To make this homemade pizza dough:
I adore my KitchenAid Mixer and use it anytime we’re making pizza or my Honey Butter Yeast Rolls. However, you can certainly mix and knead this dough by hand if you’re looking for a good arm workout.
To start, add yeast and sugar to mixing bowl. Slowly add in warm water. Allow mixture to rest for about 5 minutes. If the yeast is active the water should look frothy on top.
Add salt and garlic powder to the yeast and water mixture.
Turn mixer to low speed (I usually use the level 4 on my KitchenAid) and begin carefully adding flour. I stop at 2 ½ cups and check to see how it’s looking. If it still looks too wet, I add the additional ½ cup.
Continue mixing and slowly drizzle in oil.
Allow the dough to form a sticky ball. This typically only takes about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the mixing bowl and cover with a warm, damp dish towel. Allow dough to rest and rise for about 10 minutes.
Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and place on a lightly floured surface. Begin rolling out the dough into the desired shape. I have round pizza pans, so I aim for as circular as possible. I don’t always get there but no one seems to mind eating an egg-shaped pizza.
Using a fork, lightly tap the dough several times all over. These tiny holes will help to prevent air pockets in the dough while it cooks.
Place the dough on a pizza pan or pizza stone, then into a preheated 400-degree oven and bake for about 5-6 minutes.
Remove the dough from the oven and begin adding your favorite sauce and toppings.
Bake pizza for approximately 16-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese has melted.
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup warm water (105 degrees F)
2 ½ - 3 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons infused oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine yeast, sugar, and water. The mixture should begin to bubble and become frothy over a period of approximately 5-7 minutes.
Add two cups of flour, salt, and garlic powder to the yeast mixture. Begin combining mixtures on a medium setting. Drizzle in oil while mixing. Continue adding flour until the dough becomes less wet and sticky but does not appear dry. Dough should begin forming a ball shape after approximately 3-5 minutes.
Remove the mixing bowl from mixer and cover with a warm, damp kitchen towel. Allow dough to rise for approximately 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the dough from the mixing bowl and place on a lightly floured surface. Begin rolling out the dough to form your desired shape.
Carefully place dough onto a baking sheet or pizza pan lined with parchment paper. Using a fork, poke holes into the dough approximately 5-6 times.
Bake the dough for approximately 5-6 minutes.
Remove partially baked dough from the oven and top with your favorite sauce and toppings.
Bake pizza for approximately 16-20 minutes or until dough is golden brown and cheese is melted.
How to Freeze Homemade Pizza Dough
This homemade pizza dough freezes great! If you'd like to prepare pizza dough to use later, simply follow the directions to form your dough ball. Lightly oil the dough ball with a neutral tasting oil like olive oil or avocado. Place the dough into a freezer-safe storage bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen pizza dough, remove it from the freezer and allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 10-12 hours. Remove the thawed dough from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before you begin rolling it out.
What are your favorite pizza toppings? Let us know in the comments down below!
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