Create a delicious pizzeria-quality pizza crust at home with this simple, reliable recipe. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Author:Claire
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:1 hour 35 min
Yield:2 (12-inch) pizzas 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 teaspoon sugar
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture.
Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough gently. You can now use it immediately or refrigerate it for later use. If refrigerating, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.
Notes
For a chewier crust, use high-protein bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Allowing the dough to rest for 10-15 minutes after shaping will relax the gluten, making it easier to stretch.
Preheat your oven and pizza stone or baking steel for at least 30-45 minutes to ensure a crispy crust.
Avoid overloading your pizza with toppings, as this can prevent the crust from cooking through properly.