Okay, so let’s talk some recipe particulars:
- YEAST. I use active-dry yeast. It’s important to get the water temperature right so your yeast will bloom, but not too hot it kills it. I like using an instant read thermometer to ensure it’s just right.
- You don’t have to use a stand mixer. I included directions for by-hand as well. When you’re kneading the dough (with or without a mixer) it’s done when it’s a bit sticky but not enough to totally coat your hands. 3 cups of all purpose flour is perfect and what I always use.
- If your house is super cold it might take longer to rise, just for planning sake.
- If you’re making this gluten-free, know that the dough is not going to rise. I let mine sit, but the gluten doesn’t form, because, obviously. So instead you just press the dough into the pan instead of rolling it out. The end result is more like a crunchy crust/chewy cracker.
- On baking: if you want that crunchy bottom crust it is SUPER IMPORTANT that your oven be HOT HOT HOT (450-500°F) and that you preheat your pan. Put the pan in the oven to preheat while the oven heats. Make your pizza on a parchment paper then carefully transfer it to the hot pan (on the parchment). It’ll sear the bottom to give it a browned and crunchier feel than if you just put the dough on the pan and bake it.
This is the ULTIMATE Pizza Dough Recipe! This easy pizza crust can be made thick or thin or personal sized with whole wheat or gluten free flour. It can be baked or grilled and topped with whatever you like for the best dinner (or even dessert).
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 211 kcal
Author Dorothy Kern
Instructions
- Measure water in a measuring cup, then add the yeast and sugar. Stir gently, then let sit until it’s active and foamy. This will happen within 5 minutes. If it doesn’t, your water may have been too hot or cold or your yeast may be old. It is important to use a thermometer to measure your water temp. An instant read thermometer is best but in a pinch a meat thermometer will do.
- Stand mixer preparation: add salt, oil, and 2 cups of flour to the mixing bowl. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer. Stir the flour mixture gently while adding the proofed yeast mixture. Run the mixer on low speed until the mixture is combined and wet and then add the third cup of flour. The mixture should come together into a ball that is just a bit sticky.
- By hand preparation: stir salt, oil, and 2 cups flour in a large mixing bowl, stirring in the yeast mixture as you go, using a wooden spoon. Add the third cup of flour and then stir until you can’t anymore. Remove the spoon and then use your hands to work the dough into a ball that is slightly sticky.
- Spray a second large bowl with nonstick cooking spray, add your pizza dough ball, then spray the top lightly with cooking spray and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in a warm area of the kitchen and let rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Note: this pizza dough can make 1 thicker crust or 2 thin crust 10-12” pizzas, or 4-6 small personal sized pizzas.
- When ready to make pizza: turn out dough onto a lightly floured cutting board or a sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle with more flour if needed so you can stretch and flatten the dough into your desired size.
- Cut parchment paper to fit the pan you’re using, hanging over just about an inch on all sides our circumference. Preheat oven to 500°F. Place pizza pan in the oven while the oven is preheating. Place your pizza dough on the sized parchment paper and top as desired (use this pizza sauce). Once the oven is up to temperature, carefully transfer the pizza to the hot pan (be careful - pan is HOT). Cook until the cheese is melted and crust is slightly browned.
Recipe Notes
Whole wheat pizza crust: Use white whole wheat flour instead of all purpose, or go half and half, using all purpose and regular whole wheat flour.
Gluten free? Great! Use a one-to-one gluten free flour that you can substitute for all-purpose. The dough won't rise and will have a slightly different texture.
Thick crust pizza: this pizza dough recipe makes one 12" puffy chewy crust.
Thin crust: Cut the dough into two pieces and make two 12" thin crusts.
Cut the dough into 4-6 pieces for
PERSONALpizzas!
Breadsticks? NO PROBLEM. Flatten the dough then slice into sticks.
Nutrition Facts
The ULTIMATE Pizza Dough Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 /8th)
Calories 211 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g
8%
Saturated Fat 1g
5%
Sodium 285mg
12%
Total Carbohydrates 35g
12%
Dietary Fiber 2g
8%
Sugars 2g
Protein 5g
10%