This quick and simple pizza dough recipe is ideal if you’re craving a tasty homemade pizza but don’t have the time to wait for the dough to rise. You may have a soft, chewy, tasty pizza crust ready to be topped with your preferred ingredients in just a few minutes. With this recipe, you can quickly make a delicious pizza in the convenience of your own home without having to purchase pre-made dough or place a takeout order. So let’s get going!

Ingredients:

You just need a few simple ingredients to make this easy pizza dough, most of which you probably already have in your pantry:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

Instructions:

• Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This frothing process ensures that the yeast is activated and will help the dough rise properly.
• Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
• Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps to develop the gluten in the dough, resulting in a soft and stretchy crust.
• Let it Rest: Form the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest and rise for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
• Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during the preheating process to get it nice and hot. A hot pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust.
• Shape the Pizza Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any excess air. Transfer it back onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions for two medium-sized pizzas or keep it whole for a larger pizza. Roll out the dough into your desired pizza shape, whether round or rectangular.
• Add the Toppings: Now comes the fun part – topping your pizza! You can use traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese or get creative with your favorite ingredients. From pepperoni and mushrooms to fresh basil and feta cheese, the options are endless.
• Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer your prepared pizza onto a baking sheet, pizza stone, or pizza pan. If you’re using a pizza stone, you may want to sprinkle some cornmeal or flour on it to prevent sticking. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
• Slice and Enjoy: Once your pizza is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a minute or two before slicing it into delicious, mouthwatering slices. Serve it hot and enjoy your fresh and flavorful homemade pizza!

Conclusion:

You won’t ever need to buy pre-made pizza crusts again if you use this simple and fast recipe for pizza dough. Pizza that is made from scratch can be tailored to your preferences and uses only the freshest ingredients. This dish can be prepared in less than an hour, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or last-minute pizza gatherings with friends and family. So, keep this recipe in mind the next time you’re wanting a tasty slice and let your inner pizza chef loose!