Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

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If you’re looking for a quick and easy pizza dough recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This fast-rising pizza dough requires minimal ingredients and no complicated steps, making it perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita pizza, a meat-lover’s favorite, or a veggie-packed delight, this dough provides a versatile base with the perfect balance of chewy and crispy texture.

This homemade pizza dough recipe eliminates the need for lengthy preparation, allowing you to make fresh, homemade pizza in just a fraction of the time. Best of all, you can freeze the dough for future use, meaning you’ll always have pizza night ready to go!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

1. Fast and Convenient

Using quick-rise instant yeast, this dough requires just 10-15 minutes of resting time, so there’s no long waiting for proofing.

2. Simple Ingredients

With just six pantry staples, you probably already have everything you need to make this homemade pizza dough.

3. Versatile & Customizable

• Use all-purpose flour for a crispier crust.
• Opt for bread flour if you prefer a chewy, fluffy texture.
• Try pizza flour (00 flour) for the ultimate balance of crispy and chewy.

4. Freezer-Friendly

This easy pizza dough recipe allows you to freeze the dough for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead option.

5. Perfect for Any Type of Pizza

Whether you’re baking in a regular oven, a pizza stone, or an outdoor pizza oven, this dough adapts beautifully to all cooking methods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pizza Dough:

• 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, pizza flour, or bread flour (480 to 540 grams)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (13 grams)
• 2 teaspoons salt (12 grams)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons Quick Rise Instant yeast (7 grams)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (105°F to 110°F) (354 grams)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (39 grams)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven – If you plan to bake a pizza immediately, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and quick-rise yeast.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – Pour in the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
4. Adjust Consistency – If the dough is too wet, gradually add extra flour until it reaches a soft, slightly sticky texture.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
2. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rest

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes if using Quick-Rise Instant Yeast.
2. If using regular instant yeast, allow it to rest for 60-90 minutes until nearly doubled in size.

Step 4: Divide & Shape

1. Once the dough has rested, divide it into two equal portions.
2. At this stage, you can freeze one portion or proceed to roll out the dough for baking.

Step 5: Baking the Pizza

1. Roll the dough into 10-12” circles and place them on parchment paper or a greased sheet pan.
2. Form a rim around the edges by rolling and pinching the dough.
3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough and add your favorite toppings.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes (for thin crust) or 20-22 minutes (for thick crust), until golden brown and bubbly.

How to Freeze and Store Pizza Dough

Freezing the Dough:

1. Coat the dough in olive oil, then wrap it in plastic wrap.
2. Place the wrapped dough in a zipper-seal freezer bag, removing excess air.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Using Frozen Dough:

1. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
2. Let the thawed dough sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before rolling it out.

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza Dough

• Use warm water (105°F to 110°F) – This helps the yeast activate properly for a faster rise.
• Add seasonings to the dough – Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
• For more flavor, ferment the dough longer – Let it rest for 4-5 hours at room temperature or 8-24 hours in the fridge.
• Use the right flour:
  • All-purpose flour = Crispier crust
  • Bread flour = Chewy, airy crust
  • Pizza flour (00 flour) = Soft and elastic dough

What to Serve with Homemade Pizza

Pairing your homemade pizza with the right sides can elevate your meal to the next level. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Knots

A classic side, garlic knots are soft, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness. Serve them with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

2. Caprese Salad

A light and refreshing Caprese salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze perfectly complements the richness of pizza.

3. Buffalo Wings

For those who love bold flavors, spicy buffalo wings are the ultimate side dish to enjoy alongside pizza.

4. Parmesan Roasted Vegetables

Roasting veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts with Parmesan cheese adds a crispy, savory contrast to your pizza meal.

5. Mozzarella Sticks

Cheesy, crispy mozzarella sticks pair perfectly with pizza and add an extra dose of indulgence.

6. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing adds a refreshing touch to balance out a pizza feast.

7. Antipasto Platter

Create an antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, cheeses, and roasted peppers for a true Italian-style meal.

8. Stuffed Mushrooms

Deliciously cheesy and herby stuffed mushrooms offer a unique and flavorful side to enjoy with pizza.

Choosing the right side dish will enhance your homemade pizza experience, whether you prefer something light and fresh or rich and indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Standard Instant Yeast Instead of Quick-Rise Yeast?

Yes! However, increase the rise time to 60-90 minutes before rolling out the dough.

Can I Make This Dough in Advance?

Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using.

What’s the Best Way to Bake Pizza?

For crispiest results, bake on a pizza stone at 500°F for 8-10 minutes.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend but add extra binding agents like xanthan gum for better texture.

Final Thoughts

This easy pizza dough recipe is quick, reliable, and foolproof, making it the perfect base for homemade pizza. Whether you bake it the same day or freeze it for later, this dough delivers incredible results every time.

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