Easy Pizza Dough Recipe (Makes 4 Pizzas) 🍕

Looking for a quick and delicious way to make pizza dough at home? Here’s an easy recipe that will help you prepare soft and perfect dough for your homemade pizza in no time! With simple ingredients, you can create a pizza dough that’s ready for all your favorite toppings. Try it now and enjoy a fresh, homemade pizza with your family or friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 2/3 cups warm water (400ml)
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (20g)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast (7g)
• 1 tablespoon salt (15g)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (20g)
• 5 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (680g)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine warm water, olive oil, yeast, salt, and sugar. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough begins to form.
2. Knead Dough:
   Wet your hands and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
   Cover the bowl and let the dough sit in a warm place for 30 minutes to rise.
4. Fold Dough:
   Wet your hands to avoid sticking, then stretch the sides of the dough upward and fold them towards the center. Repeat this process 3-4 times.
5. Shape Dough:
   Flip the dough so the seams are underneath, and shape it into a ball. Cover and let it rest for 60 minutes.
6. Divide Dough:
   After 90 minutes, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal pieces (about 280g each).
7. Form Balls:
   Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Lightly spray a baking tray with olive oil and place the dough balls on it. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rest for 15 minutes.
8. Form Pizza:
   Take a dough ball and place it on a floured surface, sprinkling more flour on top. Flatten it into a 5-6 inch circle using your hands. Use your fingers to press the dough from the center outward, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Gently stretch the dough into a 10-12-inch wide pizza.
9. Top and Bake:
   Add your favorite sauce and toppings to the dough. Bake in a preheated oven at 550°F (285°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

5 tips for making the perfect pizza dough:

1. Warm Water for Activation: Ensure your water is warm (around 110°F/43°C) to help activate the yeast. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but avoid overworking it. Over-kneading can make the dough too tough.
3. Resting Time Matters: Allow the dough to rest for at least an hour after shaping it into balls. This gives the gluten time to relax, which makes the dough easier to stretch.
4. Cold Fermentation for Flavor: For extra flavor, let your dough rise in the fridge for 24-48 hours. This cold fermentation process enhances the taste and texture.
5. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to the highest setting (550°F or 285°C). A hot oven will ensure a crispy crust while keeping the toppings perfectly cooked.

Conclusion:

This easy pizza dough recipe will help you create fresh, delicious homemade pizza in just a few simple steps. The dough is soft, chewy, and perfect for all your pizza creations. Enjoy your meal and make pizza night a fun, homemade experience.