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The Ultimate Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe for a Chewy Crust

Close-up of a thick, airy slice of homemade pizza showing the bubbly crust, tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
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Make the best homemade pizza from scratch with this no-fail dough recipe. You achieve a soft, chewy crust in under two hours, perfect for your next family pizza night.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir briefly.
  3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks, add a small amount of flour, but avoid adding too much, as this prevents a chewy crust.
  5. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat the top with oil.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This rise time creates a soft, chewy pizza crust.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it in half for two medium pizzas or use it all for one large sheet pan pizza recipe.
  8. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside, if using.
  9. Shape the dough on a lightly floured surface or piece of parchment paper to your desired thickness.
  10. Top your homemade pizza with your favorite sauce and toppings.
  11. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, stretch the dough very thin and bake on a preheated pizza stone.
  • If you have time, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for a more complex, artisan pizza crust flavor.
  • Use this dough for quick pizza dough variations or sheet pan pizza recipe bases.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/ultimate-easy-homemade-pizza-dough-recipe/