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The Best Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe - Perfect Every Time

This easy homemade pizza dough recipe combines authentic Italian techniques with simple ingredients to create a chewy, flavorful crust perfect for any pizza creation. With no special equipment needed beyond basic kitchen tools, you can create professional-quality pizza dough that rises beautifully and bakes to perfection.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 1450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ⅓ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients by whisking together flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add dried herbs if using.
  3. Combine and knead by creating a well in the flour mixture, pouring in yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until shaggy dough forms, then knead 8-10 minutes on floured surface until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp cloth, and let rise in warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape and second rise: Punch down dough, divide into two portions, shape into balls, cover, and let rest 30 minutes before stretching into pizza shape.

Notes

Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast properly. Knead until dough passes windowpane test. Place dough in warm, draft-free area for optimal rise. Add flour gradually depending on humidity. For deeper flavor, refrigerate dough overnight for slow fermentation.