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The Secret To The Perfect Pizza Dough Recipe

4.95 from 136 votes
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posted: 09/15/24

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Pizza Dough is so easy to make when you have the secret to the perfect recipe. This foolproof pizza dough is so simple and with my step-by-step photos and easy-to-follow directions, you will have the best pizza every time!

Two balls of Pizza Dough and rolling pin on flour-covered surface.

This homemade pizza dough recipe is a family recipe passed down from my mom and is an absolute winner. It is one that we use in our house weekly and it always turns out perfectly.

If you read the five star reviews on this post you will see that this recipe really is foolproof. With my step-by-step photos and detailed recipe, you will never use another pizza dough again.

READER REVIEW

I’m definitely saving this recipe because I just made the most perfect pizza for dinner and it’s because of this perfect crust. Absolutely the perfect balance of tender/chewy/fluffy/crispy.

The Secret to Perfect Pizza Dough

The key to this amazing recipe is water temperature. Yes! It really is that simple.

The temperature of your water needs to be between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Within that perfect temperature range, the yeast will activate. With water that is too cold, the yeast won’t activate. With water that is too hot, the yeast will die.

While my husband and I are at the point where we can feel the water and know that it is in the right range, I highly suggest that you use an instant read thermometer.

Believe me, I wasted lots of dough before my mom, fed up with my phone calls to her about why it wasn’t working, just gave me her thermometer. She could tell the correct temperature by touch and after many batches of dough, you’ll be able to also.

Temperature to Proof Yeast

In order to proof your yeast, the temperature of the water needs to be between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Make Pizza Dough

This step-by-step tutorial will give you a broad overview of how to make this foolproof homemade pizza dough. For the full recipe with detailed instructions and measurements, you will want to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Gather Your Supplies

You will need a measuring cup with one cup of water, some active dry yeast, a little sugar, and your thermometer. There is a big difference between instant dry yeast and active dry yeast, so please be sure to grab active dry yeast. You can read more on this below.

Photo of glass measuring cup of water, jar of yeast, instant read thermometer, and measuring spoons on the counter for Pizza Dough recipe.

Heat the Water to the Right Temperature

As mentioned above, your water needs to be between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit to properly activate the yeast. I highly suggest using an instant-read thermometer for this. Over time, you will find that you will make this enough you just know the right temperature, but to start, use a thermometer.

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Instant-Read Thermometer

This thermometer gets used daily in my kitchen. I highly recommend having one in yours!
Product Image
Photo of an instant read thermometer in a measuring cup of water with yeast beside for Pizza Dough recipe.

Activate the Yeast for the Dough

With the water at the right temperature, add 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast and one teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes and you will see the yeast start to grow.

Measuring cup with water and yeast for Pizza Dough recipe, with jar of yeast and measuring spoons beside.

Let the Yeast Grow

As mentioned above, we are giving the yeast about five minutes to grow. This next part is extremely important. If the yeast does not look like the picture below after five minutes, throw the whole thing out. Without this great looking yeast, you are not going to get a great pizza dough. You will want to completely start over and try again. I would much rather you waste a little yeast, sugar, and water than end up with a bad batch of dough or pizza.

Side view of glass measuring cup of Pizza Dough recipe

Combine the Pizza Dough ingredients

I prefer to bring my pizza dough together in a food processor, but a stand mixer with a dough hook or a wooden spoon will also work well.

Combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and the yeast mixture in a food processor. It will begin to come together and you will add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Once the dough has come together, you will finish it by hand, kneading it into a ball (this should be extremely minimal kneading), and then place it in a greased mixing bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel. Let it rise for at least one hour.

Large mixing bowl with ball of Pizza Dough covered in plastic wrap for Pizza Dough recipe.

Let the Dough Rise

After an hour or two, you will see that your dough has doubled in size. This is your sign that it is ready to be made into pizza dough. You can divide it into two balls and roll them out to make two 12-inch pizzas.

Large mixing bowl with Pizza Dough recipe

Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast

As mentioned above, we are using active dry yeast in this recipe. You cannot replace it with instant yeast and get the same results. The two are both yeasts, but the way you use them is very different.

Active dry yeast must be activated to be used in a bread or dough recipe. That is what you are seeing above with the sugar, water, and letting the mixture sit for five minutes. With instant yeast, you simply add it to the other ingredients and move along with your recipe.

Please stick with active dry yeast for this recipe.

Flour for Pizza

I’ve had multiple readers ask me on this recipe if they should be using 00 flour or why I am not using 00 flour. If you are unfamiliar, that is the gold standard for flour in Italy. It differs from other flours in the fact that it is much more finely ground.

I do not think 00 flour is necessary for this recipe. We have tested it with both all-purpose flour and 00 flour and we really didn’t notice a difference when it came to several different categories. It rolled out similarly, we did not notice a difference in texture, and we did not notice a difference in taste (which makes sense, as finely grinding it wouldn’t change taste).

All of that is to say that if you want to use 00 flour, absolutely go for it. But it is not necessary. You will have great results with all-purpose flour.

Overhead view of pizza made with Pizza Dough recipe.

Using this Dough for Pizza

I have many different pizza recipes that I know you will love, but you can really use this to make any pizza. You can make two 12-inch pizzas from this dough. Follow the steps below to make a simple pepperoni pizza.

  1. Roll out the dough. On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough so it makes a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a pizza baking sheet or a pizza stone.
  2. Add some pizza sauce. I typically use about 1/2 cup of pizza sauce per pizza.
  3. Top the pizza with cheese and pepperoni. Add about 2 cups of freshly grated mozzarella cheese to the prepared pizza dough over the sauce. Top with pepperoni and a dash more cheese.
  4. Bake the pizza. Place the pizza in a preheated oven set to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges of the crust begin to brown.

Pizza Sauce Recipe

My Pizza Sauce recipe comes together with just a few ingredients in the blender and adds the perfect flavor to your homemade pizza.
ball jar filled with homemade pizza sauce recipe surrounded by parsley leaves with pizza in the background

Pre-Baking Pizza Dough

If you are working with a pizza that is heavy on the toppings, I would suggest pre-baking the dough. I like to bake it for about five minutes before taking it out and topping it when I make my Meat Lovers Pizza.

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Pizza Stone

A pizza stone will cook your pizza to perfection with crispy edges. You will love making all pizza with it!
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Overhead view of pizza made from Pizza Dough recipe.

Storing Leftover Dough

When we only make one pizza, I store the extra crust covered on my countertop at room temperature and we get to have pizza again tomorrow night. I would not recommend storing this dough for longer than three days.

I haven’t personally frozen this pizza dough recipe because we always eat both pizzas, but several readers have. After they divide the dough into two balls, they make one into a pizza and freeze the other in an airtight container and have had great results.

FAQ

How far in advance can I make this?

This homemade pizza dough recipe can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored on your countertop.

Do I have to use a food processor?

No, you do not. It is just a really quick way to bring the dough together. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook or a wooden spoon and your hands like in my easy dinner roll recipe.

Can I use instant yeast?

No. This recipe requires active dry yeast.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

I have not tested this recipe with whole wheat flour. If you decide to do that, I would only replace 50% of the flour with whole wheat at the most.

Can I use gluten free flour?

This recipe has not been tested with gluten-free flour.

Do I need to use 00 flour?

You do not. We have tested this recipe with both 00 flour and all-purpose flour and do not notice a difference.

Can this be made in a bread maker?

I have not tested this recipe in a bread maker.

Overhead view of slice of pizza being lifted from pizza made with Pizza Dough recipe.

Pizza Recipes

I already told you how to make a simple pepperoni pizza, but if you are looking for other more out of the box recipes, try one of these!

  • Buffalo Chicken Pizza: This is a fantastic pizza that you will totally fall in love with.
  • Taco Pizza: Not your typical pizza recipe, but my goodness, so amazing!
  • Pesto Pizza: I actually really love this as an appetizer for parties! So easy and delicious!

If you make this easy pizza dough recipe, leave me a comment to let me know how it went and what you topped your pizza with!

Two balls of Pizza Dough and rolling pin on flour-covered surface.
4.95 from 136 votes

The Secret To Perfect Pizza Dough

Serves: 2 pizzas
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 10 minutes
resting time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Pizza Dough is so easy to make when you have the secret to the perfect recipe. This fool proof pizza dough is so simple and with my step by step photos and easy to follow directions, you will have the best pizza every time!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon water heated to 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (251.4 ml)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (8.1 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4.125 grams)
  • 3 cups all purpose flour (360 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt if using table salt, use 1/2 teaspoon (2.6 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (14.8 ml)

Instructions

  • Heat water to between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. (You will use the full 1 cup and 1 tablespoon all at once.)
    1 cup + 1 tablespoon water
  • Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water. Then sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar over the yeast. Let it sit until the water has become frothy. If it doesn't froth as pictured above, dump your water and start again.
    2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • In the bowl of a food processor add the all purpose flour and salt. Pulse for a few seconds to evenly distribute the salt. (Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook, or a wooden spoon and then clean hands to knead the dough.)
    3 cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • With the food processor running, add the oil. Then add the yeast water combination with the food processor still running until a dough ball forms. (See note.)
    1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Put the dough ball in and cover with plastic wrap. Allow it to double in size, about an hour to an hour and a half.
  • Pull the dough apart to create two dough balls for two pizza crusts. On a well floured surface, roll the dough balls out into two 12-inch pizzas.
  • Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • On a well floured surface, roll the dough balls out into two 12 inch pizzas. Place the dough on a pizza stone or pizza baking sheet, add pizza sauce, your favorite toppings, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheesy is bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden brown.

Notes

If the dough is very sticky when you pull it out of the food processor, you will want to add in more all purpose flour, up to 3 tablespoons. Alternatively, if your dough does not come together, add a tablespoon of warm water.
Serving: 1slice Calories: 91kcal (5%) Carbohydrates: 16.8g (6%) Protein: 2.2g (4%) Fat: 1.2g (2%) Saturated Fat: 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.6g Sodium: 70mg (3%) Fiber: 0.8g (3%) Sugar: 0.3g
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Two balls of Pizza Dough and rolling pin on flour-covered surface.

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The Secret To Perfect Pizza Dough

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Janice says

    So my trick since I don’t have a thermometer is to test the water with the inside of my wrist- that area of skin is very delicate- if it doesn’t burn me, the water is a good temperature. Somewhat like making a bottle for a baby- same reasoning. My dough comes out right every time!

    • Lisa Longley says

      That’s a great trick, Janice! Since writing this post I’ve made the dough enough times that I don’t need the thermometer anymore. Once you get a sense of the temperature with your skin, you’re good to go!

  2. Tracie Gauthier says

    My thermometer reads between 110 & 115, yet if I test it with finger it feels cold not warm at all???? Is that normal!????

    • Lisa Longley says

      That doesn’t seem normal Tracie :/ What happens if you add a packet of yeast when with the thermometer reading there? Does it bubble up? If you want to know if your thermometer is calibrated right, just add a bunch of ice to some water and make sure it reads 32 degrees. If not, if it is a digital thermometer they often have a button you can push and it will recalibrate (in the ice water). If not, it might be time to invest in a new thermometer :)

  3. Robert Morris says

    This is an excellent recipe — very similar to mine. The differences are that I use 2 tsp of yeast, 2 tsp of sugar, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. I also replace 1/2 cup of the A/P flour with 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour. In my eyes, that makes my pizza a health food!
    With the whole wheat flour, you may have to add up to a 1/4 cup of water to get a nice soft dough.

  4. Serge says

    I would freeze after it rises. If you don’t it will rise as it freezes and blow out the bag or wrap it is in if there isn’t enough space.

  5. Carol says

    I have never made pizza crust in a food processor before but it sounds a lot less messy than my way.

    I mix mine by hand using a similar recipe. I mix the water, yeast (quick rising), sugar, oil, and salt in a bowl, usually with a strong fork or batter spoon, and then add the flour, about 3/4 to a cup at a time, until it becomes stiff enough to dump onto the counter and knead. I then knead the remaining flour in until it is smooth and elastic. It’s a learned skill to know just when it’s “right” and is effected by many things, even the weather. Not to sound as though it’s a daunting task as it usually turns out acceptable even if it’s not perfect. Once mixed, I let it rise for about 10 minutes or so, covered in a warm place. I use this time to prepare my pans and toppings. Then roll the crusts out and put them in the pans. You can make your crusts thinner or thicker as you choose and let them rest in the pans for a little while to rise as well. My crusts are usually thin to “traditional” thickness if made this way. My family and guests have never complained!

  6. Audrey says

    I love this recipe! Great tip. Another tip I found was for the rising of the yeast. Since I found my house had extremes in temperatures ( too hot in one room, cold and drafty in another), I found that putting the bowl, covered in the oven with just the light on created the perfect, consistent temperature for the yeast to rise. It’s also wonderful ( but very challenging to find) if you can use imported flour from Italy. It really makes it even better! Thank you for the recipe!

    • Lisa Longley says

      Can I tell you a funny pre-kid drank a few too many glasses of wine story? I thought the deal was you put the dough in the oven with it on 200. Audrey. I made bread. LOLOLOL!

  7. Dave Wolf says

    I can’t believe how many ads there are on this page. How annoying.

    • Lisa Longley says

      Since I put in well over 60 hours a week on this site and am using the money to pay for my kids to go to college I feel okay about you being annoyed getting a free recipe.

  8. Lisa says

    5 stars
    This has become a good-to recipe. It’s easy and tasty. My husband is a picky eater and wasn’t happy when I used this recipe in place of Chef Boyardee pizza mix (I know. Shameful.). Even he was won over!

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so happy you like it! And I love the bit about your husband, lol!

  9. Mrs. M says

    Here’s a friendly and helpful tip for the inexperienced bakers out there like me :)

    If you find that you are having to throw away your yeast because it isn’t bubbling or foaming, you might be getting the water too hot.
    Using a thermometer is a great idea, but heating the water to 110-115 might be to hot for the yeast.

    I asked my mom-in-law how warm does the water need to be for it to not kill the yeast and she said:
    “If I can leave my pinky finger in the water without yanking it out, then it’s good to go”

    Hot water kills yeast. It only needs to be warm enough for it to “activate” it.

    Anyway, I hope this helps anyone out there who is afraid to try using yeast!
    My first few tries I failed but ever since she shared this tip with me, baking has been so much easier!
    No more throwing out yeast and starting over :)

  10. Mrs. M says

    5 stars
    oops, forgot to add:

    Thank you so much for sharing your recipe!
    I used it this weekend and I was very happy and pleased at how easy and tasty the crust turned out!

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