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The Ultimate Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

This foolproof pizza dough recipe delivers perfect, restaurant-quality pizza crust with minimal effort using just a handful of pantry staples. With most of the time being hands-off rising, you can create versatile dough perfect for thin crust, thick crust, or calzones.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Calories: 1420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
  3. Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough, then shape into your desired pizza crust. Let rest for 15-20 minutes before adding toppings.
  7. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Add your favorite toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Notes

Use warm (not hot) water to activate yeast. Add flour gradually - too much flour makes dough tough. Proper kneading develops gluten for perfect chewy texture. Allow adequate rising time for best results.