Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe: Delicious and Easy!
Are you tired of ordering delivery every time you want to satisfy your pizza cravings? Do you want to impress your friends and family with a homemade, mouth-watering pizza? Look no further than this pizza dough recipe.
Not only is making your own pizza dough budget-friendly, it allows you to fully customize your pizza with exactly the toppings and flavors that you crave. This recipe can yield enough dough for multiple pizzas, so feel free to experiment and try out different combinations.
With its easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners looking to try their hand at making pizza from scratch. And for more experienced bakers, there are plenty of variations and substitutions that can take this pizza dough to the next level.
So why settle for subpar delivery when you can master the art of homemade pizza? Read on for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to create the best pizza dough you’ve ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza lovers, this recipe is for you! Nothing beats the satisfaction of having a homemade pizza with a perfectly thin and crispy crust. And with this pizza dough recipe, you’ll achieve just that. Whether you’re a passionate pizza professional or making homemade pizza for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is because it’s easy to follow. With clear instructions and exact measurements, even beginners can make delicious pizza dough. Plus, the ingredients required can be found in most kitchens, so there’s no need to run out to the grocery store.
Another great aspect of this recipe is its versatility. It offers ample room for customization and experimentation, making it suitable for personal preferences from traditional Italian-style to vegan options. You can use any toppings like vegetables, meat or even fruits on this basic but sophisticated crust.
Not only will you enjoy making and eating your homemade pizzas but also have an experience of owning a restaurant. However, we all know what makes pizza great: the dough used. Our recipe guarantees chewy and aromatic dough due to the perfect balance between semolina, bread flour and yeast which creates that perfect gluten network that traps air bubbles giving you a fluffy yet firm crust.
Finally, the best part of making your own pizza at home is being able to share it with family and friends. Imagine cocktail night with freshly made pizzas cooked right from your oven or preparing an elaborate dinner with different kinds of pizza for everyone’s taste buds.
In summary, apart from being easy-to-follow even for beginners, completely customizable and versatile in flavors; this outstanding recipe fulfills the desire of every food lover: making perfect restaurant quality homemade pizzas in their own kitchen where every moment turns into a celebration. Get ready to amaze your taste buds!
Ingredient List
To make the best pizza dough, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups bread flour
– â…” cup semolina
– 1 teaspoon table salt
– 1 packet (or 2 ÂĽ teaspoons) dry active yeast
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (110°F/43°C)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
The combination of bread flour and semolina gives our pizza crust that crispy, chewy texture that we all love. The sugar and dry active yeast make our dough rise for a fluffy, airy crust. The warm water and olive oil provide the moisture to make everything come together. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is easy to follow for all skill levels.
The Recipe How-To
Step-by-Step Directions for Pizza Dough Recipe
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own pizza dough for your homemade pizza:
Step 1: Prep the Yeast
To start, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit until the liquid becomes frothy, which may take around five minutes.
Step 2: Add Flour and Salt
Add the flour and salt to the mixing bowl with the yeast mixture. With the dough hook attached, lower it into the mix.
Step 3: Combine ingredients
Combine ingredients on low speed. Once they are mixed in, add more water one tablespoon at a time until the flour is completely absorbed.
Step 4: Mix for 10 minutes
Turn up the speed of your mixer to medium-high and allow your dough hook to knead your dough for around 10 minutes or up until you have achieved a smooth and elastic ball.
Step 5: Begin Proofing
Once it has been kneaded enough, transfer the dough ball to an oiled mixing bowl or container. Cover it firmly with cling wrap or a towel and let it rise until properly doubled, which normally takes at least one hour but could take as long as two hours.
And there you have it! Your easy-to-follow guide on how to make your very own pizza dough at home. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to produce perfect pizza crusts every time.
Substitutions and Variations
Pizza dough is versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:
– Whole-wheat: Swap out half or all of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
– Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of bread flour to make a gluten-free pizza crust.
– Semolina: Add a bit of semolina to the dough for a crispy and chewy texture.
– Flavored crust: Mix in herbs, spices, or cheese to the dough for added flavor. Try rosemary, garlic, or Parmesan cheese.
– Thin crust: Roll the dough out thinner for a crispier crust. This is great for New York-style pizza.
– Deep dish: Press the dough into a deep-dish pan and add toppings on top of the cheese for a Chicago-style pizza.
– Vegan: Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil and swap out the water for non-dairy milk to make it vegan-friendly.
– Quick rise: Use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast to speed up the rising time.
– Overnight rise: Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for an extra-fluffy and flavorful crust.
Experiment with different variations until you find your perfect homemade pizza dough recipe. Enjoy!
Serving and Pairing
Now that we have a delicious pizza dough ready, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and pair it. The possibilities are endless! You can top your homemade pizza with your favorite ingredients, creating a unique and personalized dish every time. However, if you’re craving for traditional Italian flavors, a classic Margherita pizza is the perfect choice. Just add fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomato slices, and basil leaves on top of the dough before baking.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour or adding vegetables to your toppings. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions are excellent options. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as ricotta, goat cheese, or blue cheese.
When it comes to wine pairing, red wine goes well with most pizzas. A light-bodied Pinot Noir or Chianti complements a Margherita pizza perfectly. If you prefer white wine, an acidic Sauvignon Blanc will cut through the richness of the cheese without overwhelming the flavors of the toppings.
If you want to skip the wine altogether, beer is an excellent choice. Choose a light beer like Pilsner or wheat beer for thin-crust pizza or a darker ale for thicker crusts and more robust toppings.
Aside from wine and beer, you can also pair your homemade pizza with soda or sparkling water if you’re looking for non-alcoholic beverage options.
Regardless of how you choose to serve and pair your pizza dough recipe creation, remember that homemade pizza brings people together for good times and great food.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Pizza dough can be prepared in advance, which is a boon for busy weeknights or for those unexpected bursts of pizza cravings. You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This technique allows the yeast to ferment slowly, resulting in a more flavorful crust with a chewy texture.
When you are ready to assemble your pizza, take out the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for around 45 minutes to an hour. This will allow the dough to come back to its normal temperature, making it easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking back.
If you have any leftover uncooked pizza dough, you can store it in the freezer. Place it in a resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. The frozen pizza dough can last up to three months, giving you ample time to plan your next homemade pizza night.
To reheat leftover pizza, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the cold pizza on a baking sheet and sprinkle some water on top before putting it into the heated oven. The water creates steam which helps in making the crust crispy and prevents it from becoming too dry. Bake for around ten minutes or until heated through.
Making homemade pizza is an enjoyable experience that doesn’t have to be confined to one night. With these simple make-ahead, storing, and reheating techniques, you can easily incorporate homemade pizza into your weekly meal routine.
Tips for Perfect Results
A great pizza dough can make or break the perfect pizza experience, and we know you want nothing but the best. Here are some tried and tested tips to help you achieve that perfect pizza crust.
First and foremost, invest in a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately. Using the correct amount of flour and water is crucial for getting the right consistency for your dough.
Secondly, kneading is key. It’s important to knead your dough well so that it becomes elastic and stretchy. Kneading also helps distribute the yeast evenly throughout the dough.
Thirdly, don’t forget about proofing. Letting your dough rise for a few hours allows it to develop more flavor and texture. A slow, overnight rise in the fridge also helps in achieving a complex flavor.
Next, choose high-quality ingredients like good quality flour, fine sea salt or kosher salt, and fresh yeast or active dry yeast. Don’t skimp on these as they are essential to getting the right flavor and texture.
Also, consider using bread flour or even a mix of bread flour with all-purpose flour for a chewier crust.
One trick is to add semolina or cornmeal for a crispy crust. You can sprinkle it on your baking surface before placing your rolled-out dough on top.
Another tip is to brush some olive oil on top of your crust before adding any toppings. This not only adds flavor but also helps to create a barrier between the sauce and the crust, keeping it from getting soggy.
If you’re short on time, try an instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. And if you’re really short on time, try a bread machine or mixer with kneading capabilities to save you time and energy.
Finally, let your imagination run wild when it comes to toppings but don’t overload too much as this can make your pizza too heavy and difficult to bake evenly.
Remember these tips when making homemade pizza dough next time for a perfect restaurant-quality pizza right in your very own kitchen!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let me answer some common questions about this amazing pizza dough recipe. As a culinary explorer, I have gathered and compiled some of the most asked questions to help you perfect your homemade pizza dough. So, if you have any doubts or concerns, keep reading to find out what I’ve learned from my experience with this recipe!
What is the secret to making good pizza dough?
When it comes to making delicious pizza dough at home, the key ingredient is not kneading techniques or theatrical tossing, as some might think. Instead, the secret is actually good old H2O. According to expert Falco, the ideal pizza dough formula for home kitchens involves a 50 percent water ratio. This is because pizzas take longer to cook in home ovens, therefore necessitating a more hydrated dough. So, if you want to recreate the famous pizzeria taste in your home kitchen, the answer is plain and simple – just add more water.
What makes pizza dough more crispy?
If a crispier crust is your goal, you can increase the amount of water in your dough recipe. By adding more water, the dough becomes a little more flexible and can expand effortlessly in the initial few minutes of baking, resulting in a deliciously crispy crust.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this pizza dough recipe is an exceptional choice for homemade pizza. With perfect texture and flavor, this recipe is sure to impress your guests at your next get together. It’s quick and easy to make, providing delicious results every time. Additionally, the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, allowing you to whip up an impromptu pizza night with friends and family. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless toppings and variations, making it a go-to for any type of pizza lover. So why not ditch the store-bought crusts and give this homemade pizza dough recipe a try? You won’t be disappointed!
Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups water, divided 1/2 cup warm, remaining at tap temperature
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast (1 envelope)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing dough
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
- vegetable oil, for oiling bowl (or cooking spray)
- semolina, for dusting peel
Instructions
- Measure 1/4 cup of warm water into 2-cup measuring cup. Sprinkle in yeast; let stand until yeast dissolves and swells, about 5 minutes.
- Add remaining 1/4 cup warm water plus remaining 1 1/4 cups tap water and olive oil.
- Meanwhile, pulse flour and salt in workbowl of large food processor fitted with steel blade to combine.
- Add liquid ingredients (holding back a tablespoon or so) to flour and pulse together. If dough does not readily form into ball, stop machine, add remaining liquid, and continue to pulse until ball forms. Process until dough is smooth and satiny, about 30 seconds longer.
- Turn dough onto lightly floured work surface; knead by hand with a few strokes to form smooth, round ball.
- Put dough into medium-large, oiled bowl, and cover with damp cloth. Let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface and use chef’s knife or dough scraper to halve, quarter, or cut dough into eighths, depending on number and size of pizzas desired. Form each piece into ball and cover with damp cloth. Working with one piece of dough at a time, shape into rounds as thick/thin as desired. Use your hands to stretch the dough into shape, rather than a rolling pin.
- Transfer to pizza peel that has been lightly coated with semolina, brush dough very lightly with olive oil before topping and cooking.
- Use the following guide to determine cooking time for pizza crust with topping but without cheese. All pizzas need to be cooked an additional two or three minutes after adding cheese, or until cheese is completely melted.
- THIN CRUST.
- 14-inch pizzas (Master Recipe makes 2) - 7 to 8 minutes.
- 12-inch pizzas (Master Recipe makes 4) - 5 minutes.
- 8-inch pizzas (Master Recipe makes 8)- 3 minutes.
- MEDIUM-THICK CRUST.
- 12-inch pizzas (Master Recipe makes 2) - 9 to 10 minutes.
- 8-inch pizzas (Master Recipe makes 4) - 5 minutes.
- 6-inch pizzas (Master Recipe makes 8) - 4 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.