Want to make homemade pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria? This foolproof pizza dough recipe is soft, chewy, and easy to make, even if you've never worked with yeast before. Whether you're baking in a traditional oven or on a pizza stone, this dough delivers a golden, crispy crust every time. Skip the store-bought dough and make your own with just a few pantry staples!

A rustic kitchen scene featuring homemade pizza dough rising under a cloth on a wooden board, with a vintage scale, rolling pin, and bottle of olive oil in the background. Perfect for homemade bread and pizza-making inspiration.

Pizza dough was one of the first things I ever made with yeast, and honestly? I was nervous. Yeast can be intimidating if you've never worked with it, but this foolproof recipe makes it easy. So you can skip the guesswork and go straight to amazing homemade pizza.

Making your own dough isn’t just about saving money (though it definitely costs less than takeout). It’s about customizing your pizza exactly how you like it. From a chewy, golden crust to the perfect sauce and toppings. And let’s be real: homemade pizza just tastes better.

The Secret to the Best Pizza Dough

The key to a perfect homemade pizza crust is moisture balance. Because home ovens often bake pizza longer than commercial ovens, keeping the dough hydrated ensures a soft interior and crisp exterior.

Adding the right amount of water and using high-quality flour makes all the difference.

Choosing the Right Flour for Your Pizza Crust

While traditional Italian pizzerias swear by Tipo 00 flour, you can make incredible homemade pizza with all purpose flour.

The difference? Tipo 00 flour creates a slightly chewier texture, while all-purpose flour results in a softer crust.

No matter which flour you choose, preheating your oven and using a pizza stone will give you the best results.

Is Homemade Pizza Dough Worth It?

Making your own pizza dough is surprisingly easy and gives you full control over the flavor and texture.

It’s also cheaper than takeout and a fun way to customize your crust just the way you like it. While store-bought dough is convenient, nothing beats the satisfaction of homemade. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can prep ahead!

Tips for Perfecting Homemade Pizza

Want to take your homemade pizza to the next level? Try these simple tricks:

Season your crust. A sprinkle of garlic powder, rosemary, or Italian seasoning before baking adds extra depth of flavor.

Use high-quality cheese. A mix of fresh mozzarella and shredded cheese gives the best melt. Whole milk mozzarella is ideal for that rich, gooey texture.

Keep the sauce simple. Too many flavors can overpower the dough. My homemade pizza sauce is perfect, but if you're going store-bought, Rao’s is the way to go.

Use a pizza stone. Even a basic preheated stone makes a huge difference. It helps mimic a brick oven, giving you that crispy, golden crust. If you're making deep-dish, a cast iron skillet works great, but for a classic hand-tossed pizza, the stone is king.

Ingredients for the Best Pizza Dough Recipe

This recipe will quickly become your go-to for making homemade pizza dough. It requires just a few basic ingredients, but the results are truly special.

Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but you can use bread flour for a crispier crust.

Olive Oil: Helps prevent the sauce from soaking into the crust and adds flavor.

Water: Warm water (110°F-115°F) activates the yeast for a perfect rise.

Yeast: Instant yeast rises faster, while active dry yeast gives a softer crust.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and improves browning.

Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.

Garlic Powder (Optional): Adds extra flavor to the dough.

How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough

Whether you’re using active dry yeast or rapid-rise yeast, the process is nearly the same. The key difference is in rise time and sugar amount. Check the recipe card at the end of this post for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Proof the Yeast. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix by hand or in a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough forms.

Step 3: Knead & Rise. Knead until smooth, place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 40 min for instant yeast, 1.5 hours for active dry yeast).

Step 4: Shape the Dough. Roll or hand-toss the dough to your preferred thickness.

Step 5: Bake & Enjoy – Preheat oven to 500°F. Bake on a preheated pizza stone or pan for 10-15 minutes.

Storing & Freezing Homemade Pizza Dough

For meal prep convenience, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 4 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking for the best texture.

Homemade pizza dough isn’t just about making a meal, it’s about creating memories. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend tradition, the simple act of making pizza together brings warmth, connection, and joy to the table.

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Tried this foolproof homemade pizza dough recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! And if you loved it, a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating helps more people find this recipe!

📖 Recipe

Serves 6

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough (Soft, Chewy & Foolproof!)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

This easy homemade pizza dough is soft, chewy, and foolproof! Perfect for beginners, it comes together with simple ingredients and delivers a delicious, golden crust every time. Use it for hand-tossed, thin-crust, or pan pizza. Customize it just the way you like!

Ingredients

1 Cup Very Warm Water, 110°F
2 ¼ teaspoon Active Dry Yeast (one packet)
1 ¼ teaspoon Granulated Sugar
3 ¼ Cups All-purpose Flour (plus more if needed)
1 ¾ teaspoon Kosher Salt
2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, optional
¼ Cup Olive Oil, plus more for coating

Instructions

Proof the Yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water (110-115°F), active dry yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is dissolved and foamy.
Mix the Dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 ¼ cups flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder (if using). Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it no longer sticks to your hands.
Let the Dough Rise. Lightly coat a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and turn to coat. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven. Place a pizza stone on the bottom rack and preheat the oven to 500°F.
Shape & Bake. Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Roll or hand-stretch it into a pizza crust on a floured surface. Transfer to the preheated pizza stone, add toppings, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
Serve & Enjoy. For extra flavor, brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary or garlic powder before serving.

Notes

Flour Options: All-purpose flour works great, but for a chewier texture, use bread flour or Tipo 00 flour if available.

Yeast Choice: Active dry yeast gives a softer crust with a longer rise, while instant yeast speeds up the process and results in a crispier crust.

Make-Ahead Dough: Refrigerate for up to 4 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Best Baking Method: A pizza stone gives the crispiest crust, but a cast iron skillet or pizza pan works well too. Preheating your baking surface helps!

Flavor Boost: Add garlic powder, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the dough for extra flavor.

Dough Too Sticky? Add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading until smooth.

🔥 Perfect for hand-tossed, thin-crust, or pan pizza!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1 slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 84Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe: Foolproof & Delicious