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Easiest Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe - Rustic Crust in Minutes

This foolproof rustic pizza dough recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort while delivering maximum flavor and texture. Using active dry yeast and common pantry ingredients, you'll create a stretchy, airy dough that develops beautiful char when baked like wood-fired pizzas.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 1500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar/honey in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back slowly when poked.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide if making multiple pizzas. Shape into balls, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes before stretching.
  6. Preheat oven to the highest temperature (500°F/260°C or higher). Stretch dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet, add toppings, and bake for 10-15 minutes until crust is golden.

Notes

Water temperature matters - too hot kills yeast, too cold won't activate it. Resting is crucial - don't skip second rise for easier stretching. High heat creates authentic crisp crust. Dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.