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Soft and elastic homemade Italian pizza dough on a floured wooden surface, with a baker’s hands stretching it, surrounded by olive oil, basil, and a rustic kitchen backdrop

How to Perfect Your Homemade Italian Pizza Dough​

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Master the art of making authentic Italian pizza dough from scratch! This foolproof recipe creates a chewy yet crispy crust, perfect for classic Margherita, pepperoni, or creative toppings. Whether you’re hosting a DIY pizza night or simply craving a homemade pizza, this step-by-step guide ensures restaurant-quality results every time. 🍅🧀✨

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minute
  • Yield: 2 large pizzas or 4 individual pizzas 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

 

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Activating the Yeast

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mixing the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
  2. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Kneading the Dough

  1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

4. Rising the Dough

  1. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel.
  2. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

5. Shaping and Baking the Dough

 

  1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into portions for individual or large pizzas.
  2. Roll out each portion into a thin, even crust.
  3. Preheat the oven to 475°F–500°F (245°C–260°C).
  4. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Add toppings.
  5. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Option: Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • For a Chewier Crust: Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Extra Flavor Tip: Brush the crust with olive oil and garlic before baking.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Rising Time: 1–2 hours
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Bread, Pizza
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian