Homemade Pizza Dough

Homemade pizza dough made with yeast, olive oil, and bread flour, creating a soft and elastic crust with crisp edges. This easy pizza dough recipe works in the oven, pizza oven, grill, or air fryer and is perfect for classic pizzas, flatbreads, and calzones.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 3 3/4 to 4 cups bread flour (all-purpose flour also works)

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1/2 cup of the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve, then let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
   Add the remaining warm water, olive oil, salt, and vinegar to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing on medium-low speed and gradually add the flour, one cup at a time.
3. Knead
   Continue kneading for about 7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not cling heavily to your fingers. Add only as much flour as needed.
4. First Rise
   Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or greased plastic wrap and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough
   Punch the dough down gently and place it on a lightly floured or greased surface. Divide into 2 or 3 equal portions (for two 14-inch or three 9-inch pizzas). Roll and stretch to your preferred thickness, then lightly brush with olive oil.

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Cooking Methods

Oven Method
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C), placing a pizza stone inside if available. Sprinkle a pizza peel or pan with cornmeal and flour. Dock the dough lightly with a fork and pre-bake for 3–4 minutes. Remove, add sauce and toppings, then bake for another 8–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Pizza Oven Method
Place dough on a floured, cornmeal-dusted pizza peel. Add toppings and cook in a preheated pizza oven following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Air Fryer Method
Roll dough into small rounds to fit the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 1 minute per side. Add toppings and return to the air fryer for 1–3 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Grill Method
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush rolled dough with oil and place oil-side down onto the grill. Remove parchment, cover, and cook 2–3 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip, add toppings, reduce heat, and cook an additional 3–5 minutes.

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Tips

• Use warm water, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Allow enough rising time for better texture and flavor.
• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough briefly before adding toppings.

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace olive oil with avocado oil if desired.
• Add garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
• Use whole wheat flour for part of the flour for a heartier crust.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate after the first rise for up to 24 hours.

Can I freeze pizza dough?
Yes, freeze after rising. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Why is my dough too sticky?
Add flour gradually while kneading until manageable but still soft.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with classic tomato sauce and mozzarella.
• Use for white pizza, flatbreads, or calzones.
• Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reliable dough with soft texture and crisp edges
• Works with oven, grill, pizza oven, or air fryer
• Easy to customize for any pizza style