Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

Homemade pizza dough is a staple in any chef’s recipe repertoire. Making your own dough allows for endless customization and ensures that you know exactly what goes into your pizza. This recipe for homemade pizza dough is simple to follow and produces a perfect crust every time.

Recipe:

• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
• 1 cup of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, and let it rest for an additional 10-15 minutes before rolling it out to your desired thickness.
7. Add your desired toppings and bake according to your recipe’s instructions.

Cooking tips:

• Use warm water between 105-115°F to activate the yeast.
• Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
• Let the dough rest and rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure a light and airy crust.

Serving and side suggestions:

• Use your homemade pizza dough to make your favorite pizza recipe.
• Roll the dough into small balls and flatten into discs to make mini pizzas or calzones.
• Serve with garlic knots or a salad for a complete meal.

Variations:

• Add in your favorite herbs or spices, such as garlic or oregano, for added flavor.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• Use honey instead of sugar for a slightly sweeter dough.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Active dry yeast
• Water
• Olive oil

Spices and herbs:

• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Basil

Ingredient substitutions:

• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier crust.
• Substitute olive oil with vegetable oil for a neutral flavor.
• Use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast for a quicker rise.

Storage and reheating instructions:

• Store leftover pizza dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Let the dough come to room temperature before using.
• Dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Leftover suggestions:

• Use leftover dough to make homemade breadsticks or garlic knots.
• Roll the dough thin and use as a base for a homemade tart.

Health benefits:

• Homemade pizza dough allows for control over the quality and quantity of ingredients, making it a healthier option than store-bought dough.
• Whole wheat flour can add additional fiber and nutrients to the dough.

Serving size: This recipe yields enough dough for one 12-inch pizza or 4-6 mini pizzas.

Nutrition information:

• Calories: 274 per serving (based on one 12-inch pizza)
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Protein: 7g

RDA value:

• iron: 5%
• calories: 11-14%
• fat: 7-10%
• carbohydrates: 16-26%
• protein: 14%

Shopping list:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Active dry yeast
• Olive oil