Basic Pizza Dough

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to make the perfect pizza dough! This basic recipe is your ticket to pizza paradise—a soft, chewy crust with just the right amount of crispiness. Top it with your favorite ingredients, and you’re ready for a pizza party any night of the week!

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (110°F/45°C), 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and kicking!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and let rest for about 10 minutes. On a floured surface, stretch or roll out each ball into a 12-inch circle for a thin crust or an 8-inch circle for a thicker crust.
6. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza stone. Bake for about 5 minutes, just until the dough begins to set and slightly puff up. Remove from the oven and add your favorite toppings.
7. Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade pizza!