How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough (4 Ingredients)

You don't need a fancy mixer or bread-making skills. This pizza dough uses 4 ingredients and takes 10 minutes to make.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sugar

Method

1. Activate the yeast: Mix yeast with warm water and sugar (if using). Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dough: Add flour and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead: Turn onto a floured surface and knead 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 3 minutes.)
4. Let it rise: Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, let rise 1-2 hours until doubled.
5. Shape: Punch down, stretch into a circle on a floured surface or baking sheet.
6. Add toppings and bake: Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake at 450-500°F for 10-15 minutes.

Tips for Better Pizza Dough

• Use warm water, not hot. Hot water kills the yeast. 110°F is the sweet spot (warm to the touch but not hot).
• Don't skip the rise. Rising develops gluten, which gives the dough its chewy texture.
• Preheat your oven. The hotter the oven, the better the crust. 500°F is ideal.
• Use a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet. Preheating the surface gives a crispier bottom.

Can You Freeze Pizza Dough?

Yes. After the first rise, divide into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes, but skip the yeast and salt. Self-rising flour already contains leavening. The texture will be more biscuit-like than traditional pizza dough.

How thin should I stretch the dough?

For thin crust: stretch to 12-14 inches. For thick crust: stretch to 8-10 inches. The dough will shrink slightly, so stretch it a bit larger than your target.