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Perfect Family Pizza Night Dough Recipe

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An easy homemade pizza dough recipe that is quick, simple, and perfect for family gatherings. It yields a chewy, tender crust with a golden crisp finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water, about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • Optional: up to 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour to substitute
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or dried herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt. Add herbs or garlic powder if using.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Lightly flour your countertop. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with dough hook on low speed for 6-7 minutes. Add flour if dough is too sticky.
  5. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 60-75 minutes until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down dough to release air bubbles. Divide into 2-3 equal portions, form into tight balls, and let rest covered for 10 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place pizza stone in oven if using.
  8. Stretch or roll out dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll each dough ball into a 10-12 inch circle.
  9. Add toppings and bake: Transfer dough to baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.

Notes

Use warm water around 110°F to activate yeast properly. Do not rush the rise for best flavor and texture. Preheat oven thoroughly for a crispy crust. Let dough rest if it resists stretching. Dough can be refrigerated overnight for deeper flavor or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza dough, homemade pizza, easy pizza dough, family pizza night, chewy pizza crust, pizza recipe