Homemade Pizza Dough

Homemade Pizza Dough is easy to make with basic pantry staples and bakes up beautifully with your favorite toppings. 

Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

We love homemade pizza, but I’ll admit — I didn’t always make my own dough, especially when the grocery store has decent pre-made options sitting right there. But… there’s something really satisfying about making it yourself. The smell of the yeast as it starts to bubble, the warm, soft dough taking shape in your hands… it’s a little messy, but in a good way.

Some people swear that kneading by hand is therapeutic — and I can see why. But I’m also perfectly happy letting the dough hook on my stand mixer do the work for me. Either way, this recipe comes together quickly, and it’s perfect for your next pizza-and-movie night at home.

Movie Night Dinner

Making homemade pizza dough for a cozy movie night is one of those small things that makes the evening feel more fun. You start by waking up the yeast — just mix it with warm water and a little sugar, then give it a few minutes to get bubbly. Once it looks alive and foamy, you know you’re good to go. Then you stir in the salt, olive oil, and flour, and knead it into a soft, smooth ball.

The dough needs about an hour to rise, which is the perfect window to get the rest of the toppings ready. I like to set out a little spread of options while it’s rising — shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, sliced peppers, black olives, and some fresh basil if I have it. Everyone can make their own little section of the pizza exactly how they want it.

When the dough is ready, it just needs a quick punch-down and a few minutes to relax before you roll it out. From there, you can shape it right on the baking sheet or stone, add your sauce and toppings, and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. By the time the opening credits roll, the kitchen smells like a pizzeria, and the first slices are ready to go.

Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough

​You will need the following:

• Active Dry Yeast — Make sure it’s fresh and not expired for the best rise. 
• Light Brown Sugar — Just a little bit here helps wake up the yeast and gives the crust a hint of flavor without making it sweet.
• Warm Water — It should be just barely above room temperature.
• Kosher Salt — In addition to flavor, salt helps strengthen the dough so it’s easier to handle and bakes up with a nice texture.
• Olive Oil — Makes the dough easier to stretch and keeps it from drying out as it bakes.
• All-Purpose Flour — Reliable and works well for a soft yet sturdy crust. 

How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough

STEP ONE: Proof the Yeast. Combine the yeast, brown sugar, and warm water in a medium mixing bowl or stand mixer. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, until the yeast starts to bubble and foam.

STEP TWO: Add the Rest. Mix in the salt, olive oil, and flour.

STEP THREE: Knead the Dough. Knead by hand or use a dough hook on medium-low speed until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

STEP FOUR: Let It Rise. Lightly oil a medium bowl and place the dough inside. Cover and let it rise for about an hour, until it has doubled in size.

STEP FIVE: Preheat the Oven. Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 425°F.

STEP SIX: Shape the Dough. Punch down the dough, then form it into a ball and let it rest for 5 minutes. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into your preferred shape.

STEP SEVEN: Bake. Transfer the dough to the preheated pizza stone, add your favorite toppings, and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the crust is golden.

Making the Best Homemade Pizza Dough

These quick tips will help you achieve the best results every time:

• Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm but not hot — about 105–110°F. Too hot and it can kill the yeast; too cool and the yeast won’t activate properly.
• Flour Options: All-purpose flour works great here, but bread flour can also be used if you want a slightly chewier crust.
• Rising Time: If your kitchen is cold and the dough isn’t doubling after an hour, give it more time or place it in a slightly warm place, such as a turned-off oven, to help it along.
• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the dough after it’s risen and been punched down. Wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
• Shaping Tips: Don’t worry if your pizza isn’t a perfect circle. Rustic shapes are just as delicious. Work from the center out and let the dough rest if it starts springing back too much — this helps it relax a bit.

More Pizza Night Recipes You’ll Love!

• Garden Kale Salad
• Classic Marinara Sauce
• Olive and Feta Garlic Bread
• Marinated Mozzarella Balls
• Mediterranean Style Pizza

Save this recipe to Pinterest! ⤵️ 📌

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This post was updated on July 11, 2025.

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