This Homemade Classic Pizza Dough is the foundation for countless delicious creations. Whether you're aiming for a thin, crispy crust or a thick, chewy base, this dough provides the perfect palate for any pizza style. Beyond pizza, it also lends itself beautifully to stromboli and calzones, offering endless possibilities for your kitchen adventures.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 envelope Instant yeast, 1 ½ teaspoons sugar, ¾ teaspoon salt
Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients.
2 tablespoons olive oil, ¾ cup warm water
Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add up to an additional ¼ cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough is manageable.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
Divide the dough if making two smaller pizzas, and shape it into a ball. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before rolling out to the desired thickness.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Par-bake the crust
Roll out the dough, place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone, and bake for 5-7 minutes until it starts to set and puff up slightly but is not yet browned.
Remove the crust from the oven, add your favorite toppings, and return it to the oven.
Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Notes
Bread flour’s high gluten content creates a chewy crust.
Adequate rising time ensures a light and airy crust.
A hot oven creates a crispy crust, so be sure to preheat before baking.