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Dorothy Thomas

Italian Pizza Dough Recipe

A classic, foolproof Italian pizza dough recipe that yields a crispy yet chewy crust—perfect for homemade pizzas!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 2 12
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

  •  (440g) 3 ½ cups  All-purpose or "00" flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • (300ml) 1 ¼ cups Warm water (105–110°F / 40–43°C)
  •  (7g) 2 tsp  Active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 2 tsp Salt
  •  (30ml) 2 tbsp Olive oil

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer (optional, with dough hook)
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Plastic wrap or damp towel
  • Plastic wrap or damp towel
  • Rolling pin (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  3. Stir with a wooden spoon (or mix in a stand mixer with a dough hook) until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 5–7 minutes in a mixer).
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down dough, divide into 2 balls, and rest for 15–30 minutes under a towel.
  7. On a floured surface, stretch or roll dough to desired thickness (thin for crispy, thicker for chewy).
  8. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or inverted baking tray.
  9. Add toppings and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.

Notes

  • For Crispier Crust: Preheat pizza stone/steel for 1 hour.
  • Make Ahead: Refrigerate dough (up to 48 hours) or freeze (up to 3 months).
  • Substitutes: Whole wheat flour (replace ½ cup all-purpose) or gluten-free blend (adjust liquid).