Homemade Pizza Dough

This Homemade Pizza Dough is a simple but reliable recipe that I turn to whenever I want fresh, crisp, flavorful pizza straight from my own oven. I’ve perfected this quick and easy dough so you can make homemade pizzas any day of the week! Try it once and you’ll see why this dough has earned a permanent spot in my cooking rotation.

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This post was originally posted on 7/22/2020 and updated on 9/30/2025.

Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe Ingredients

• Warm Water: Warm tap water works great. You want it warm but not hot so it can bloom the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: I use a packet of traditional dry yeast. You can use instant yeast as well. It won't need as much time rising, so keep an eye on it.
• Unbleached All Purpose Flour: I prefer unbleached all purpose flour with this recipe. You could use bread flour for a chewier crust. You can also use "00" pizza flour, but you will probably need to use a little less water.
• Salt
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough

1. First, combine the warm water and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let the water and yeast hang out for about 5 minutes until it has bloomed.
2. Next, add the unbleached all purpose flour, salt and olive oil. Mix on low speed until a dough forms and it starts to clump together and form a ball. It does not have to be baby bottom smooth. This dough doesn't need to be kneaded that much. Like I said before, it is foolproof!

3. Then, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, flip it so there is oil on top and bottom of dough. Then cover with plastic wrap or clean towel. Let the dough rest for at least an hour, but it can rest up to 5 hours if needed. For a make ahead option, the dough can be placed in the fridge and left to rest for up to 4 days. It will slowly rest and proof in the fridge.
4. Once the dough has rested and risen, slice the dough in half with a dough cutter or tear it with your hands. Stretch the dough by gently pulling it or pushing it out onto a pizza stone, or lightly oiled baking sheet or glass dish. Stretch and push it out to your desired thickness. You can also use a rolling pin if you prefer. This recipe will make approximately two 14 inch thin crust pizzas.

5. Add your favorite sauce and toppings and bake the pizza in a preheated 500°F oven. Our pizzas take around 12-15 minutes but you can bake it as long or as short as you like. However you like your pizza!

Tip: If you prefer a more hand tossed or thicker crust that works with this recipe too! For a deep dish pizza, pre-bake the crust before adding the toppings or the dough might not bake all the way through. I bake mine for about 5-6 minutes, then top it and finish baking.

Making Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Without A Stand Mixer

No stand mixer, no problem! Add the water and yeast to a large bowl, let rest for 5 minutes, then add remaining ingredients. Using a rubber or silicone spatula mix it all together as much as you can or until a dough starts to form. Then using your hands, knead it a bit until the dough comes together. The dough is a bit sticky, if it is too sticky either add a tablespoon or two of flour or grease your hands with olive oil to help form a ball. Then follow the remaining steps as directed.

Homemade Pizza Toppings:

• Meat Lovers
• Classic Cheese
• Supreme
• Chicken Bacon Ranch
• Classic Pepperoni
• BBQ Chicken
• Bacon Cheeseburger
• Taco
• All veggie
• Breakfast pizza using country gravy, sausage, and eggs.
• Dessert! Yes, even dessert pizza can be made on this crust. I like making a cinnamon crumble for the top and then drizzling with a glaze after it bakes. So good!

If you need a delicious pizza sauce recipe try my No Cook Homemade Pizza Sauce. It's ready in minutes and is super yummy!

Storing Homemade Pizza Dough

Storing: This easy homemade pizza dough can be stored in the fridge in a zip top bag or a covered large bowl for up to 4 days. It will proof in the fridge. I like to cut the dough in half before placing in fridge. Then when ready to use it, just take it out let it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature and then make your pizza.

Freezing: This dough freezes great too! When the dough is ready to rest is when you can freeze it. No need to let it proof first. I like to cut the dough in half first, then lightly oil it and place in a freezer bag or freezer safe container. Label, date and freeze. When ready to use, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, let the dough rest at room temperature for 20 minutes and then make your pizza.

More Fast Dinner Recipes:

• Creamy Chicken Orzo
• Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
• Air Fryer Tilapia
• Ground Turkey Teriyaki Bowl
• Easy Skillet Lasagna
• Homemade Hamburger Helper
• Egg Roll in a Bowl