Delicious Homemade Pizza Dough
This homemade pizza dough recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're planning a pizza night for the family or want to impress friends with your culinary skills, this dough is the perfect base for mouth-watering pizzas. You can make it the same day or prepare it in advance, storing it in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. Each ball rolls out easily, making it a fun kitchen activity for kids and adults alike. Plus, this dough can even be transformed into delicious focaccia! Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own pizza from scratch with this foolproof recipe.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry active yeast
1 package (2 1/4 tsp) (dissolved in warm water)
very warm water
1 1/2 cups (110°F)
all-purpose flour
4 cups (plus extra for dusting)
kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve the dry active yeast in very warm water (about 110°F) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2
In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Pulse briefly to mix them together.
3
While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the yeast mixture and process until the dough comes together.
4
Stop the processor and add the olive oil. Pulse a few times until fully incorporated.
5
Transfer the soft dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes, incorporating any stray bits of flour or dough.
6
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight, smooth ball, pushing out any air.
7
If using the dough immediately, place the balls on a floured surface, cover with a clean dishtowel, and let them rise until they've nearly doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
8
For next-day use, place the dough balls on a floured baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before shaping.
9
To freeze, dust each dough ball with flour, place in individual zip-top bags, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 1.5 hours before using.
10
When ready to shape, place the dough ball on a floured surface. Dust the top with flour, then press down into a flat round about 1/2 inch thick.
11
To stretch, lay the dough over your fists and gently pull apart while rotating the dough until it reaches about 1/4 inch thickness and 9 inches across. Alternatively, use a rolling pin.
12
Flour a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet, carefully transfer the stretched dough onto it, and top with your favorite ingredients.
13
Preheat your oven to 500°F with a pizza stone on the lowest rack for at least an hour. Make sure to slide the pizza onto the hot stone for a perfect bake.
14
Bake until the edges are golden brown, roughly 8 minutes. Remove using a peel or spatula and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary recipe described?
The recipe is for Delicious Homemade Pizza Dough, a versatile and easy-to-make base for pizzas or focaccia.
How many ingredients are needed for this pizza dough?
There are 5 main ingredients: dry active yeast, very warm water, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and olive oil.
What type of yeast should I use?
This recipe requires one package or 2 1/4 teaspoons of dry active yeast.
What is the ideal water temperature for the yeast?
The water should be very warm, approximately 110°F, to properly dissolve and activate the yeast.
How long does the yeast need to sit in the water?
The yeast should sit in the warm water for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting your work surface.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to combine the flour and salt and to incorporate the wet ingredients into the dough.
When should I add the olive oil?
The olive oil is added after the yeast mixture has been processed with the flour and the dough has come together.
How long should I knead the dough?
After transferring to a floured surface, you should knead the dough gently for a few minutes.
How many pizza dough balls does this recipe produce?
The recipe instructs you to divide the dough into four equal pieces to create four individual pizza balls.
How long does the dough need to rise if using it immediately?
If using immediately, let the dough balls rise on a floured surface for about 45 minutes until they have nearly doubled in size.
Can I prepare the dough a day in advance?
Yes, you can place the dough balls on a floured baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them overnight.
How long should refrigerated dough sit out before shaping?
Remove the dough from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you plan to shape it.
Can this pizza dough be frozen?
Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to one month in individual zip-top bags.
How do I thaw frozen pizza dough?
Thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for approximately 1.5 hours before use.
What is the first step in shaping the dough ball?
Place the dough on a floured surface, dust the top with flour, and press it down into a flat round about 1/2 inch thick.
How thin should the dough be stretched?
The dough should be stretched until it reaches about 1/4 inch thickness and is roughly 9 inches across.
What are the recommended methods for stretching the dough?
You can stretch the dough by laying it over your fists and rotating it, or you can use a rolling pin.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the baking sheet?
Flour a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet before transferring the stretched dough onto it.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 500°F for the best results.
How long should I preheat the pizza stone?
The pizza stone should be preheated on the lowest rack for at least one hour.
Where should the pizza stone be placed in the oven?
The pizza stone should be placed on the lowest rack of the oven.
How long does the pizza take to bake?
The pizza typically takes roughly 8 minutes to bake at 500°F.
How do I know when the pizza is finished baking?
The pizza is ready when the edges of the dough are golden brown.
What is the best way to remove the pizza from the oven?
Use a pizza peel or a large spatula to safely remove the hot pizza from the oven.
Can this dough be used for something other than pizza?
Yes, this versatile dough can also be used to make delicious focaccia bread.
Is this recipe suitable for families with children?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly recipe because rolling out the dough balls is a fun kitchen activity.
What type of salt is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
What makes this dough foolproof?
It is considered foolproof because it is quick to prepare, easy to handle, and consistently produces a soft, manageable dough.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.