It’s a proven fact that pizza is the most perfect food on earth. It’s crispy, saucy, cheesy, and so customizable that anyone can find a version that will fit their specific tastes. And while it’s easy to just order up some ‘za that will be delivered to your door, you might be surprised to discover how easy it is to whip up a batch of pizza dough in your very own kitchen. Here’s how to make pizza dough from scratch that tastes better than your local delivery joint.
From what ingredients to use to what kitchen tools you’ll need for the job, these are the step-by-step instructions for how to make pizza dough at home. Because homemade pizza has a secret ingredient that the delivery stuff doesn’t have: love.
Take the bowl of your mixer and add one packet of instant yeast, one tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 and 1/3 cup of warm water. Whisk together until smooth. If you’re wondering what type of yeast to use, there is a surprisingly good variety of options available on Amazon.
This Red Star Platinum Premium Instant Yeast with Dough Enhancers rises quickly and is already pre-portioned so you don’t even have to measure. I always have a pack of these in my pantry so I’m prepared to make pizza dough at all times, and you probably should, too. You never know when a pizza craving will strike.
During this time, your yeast will probably start bubbling a bit. This is normal, so don’t be alarmed. After your yeast has rested, add two tablespoons of olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and three and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to your mixing bowl.
Sure, you could use a standard kitchen towel or cling wrap, but I like to use these Now Designs Cotton Bowl Covers. They could not be easier; just pop them on and your bowl has a tight seal instantly. Plus, they come in a set of two and look extra cute on my counter.
Beat the mixture on a low speed for two minutes or until combined. Next, flour your work surface (a cutting board or clean countertop work nicely) and set your dough on top. Lightly flour your hands and knead your dough for three to four minutes. Keep kneading until it bounces back when you poke it.
The good news is that not all mixers cost upwards of $400 dollars. This Aucma Tilt-Head Food Mixer has a 660W high-performance pure copper motor, six different speed settings, and a large 6.5-quart capacity so it can handle large recipes. Bonus: it’s only $115.99!
Cover it with your bowl cover and leave it on your countertop to rise at room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes. It should double in size by the end of this time. Preheat your oven to 475-degrees Fahrenheit. Once your dough has risen completely, punch it down a few times to remove air bubbles. Now it’s time for the fun part: shaping!
Divide your dough into two equal halves. This allows you to make two pizzas or freeze the other half for later. Lightly flour your workspace once again and use a rolling pin to form it into a round shape. This Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin with Removable Rings is my favorite pin since it has adjustable rings that allow you to customize the thickness of your dough.
Once your dough has been roughly shaped, place it on a lightly greased pizza pan and continue rolling until it fills the pan. Create a lip around the edge with your thumb, then brush the top of the dough with olive oil to keep it from getting soggy. Cover the surface with marinara sauce and add your favorite pizza toppings.
This Wilton Recipe Right Pizza Pan Set includes two pans that are 12 inches in diameter for the perfect not-too-big, not-too-small size. Bake pizza for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the toppings are sizzling. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into eight pieces with a pizza cutter.
You’re all done! Now it’s time to (pizza) party!