How to Make Pizza Dough with Video

Sure, it seems like making your own pizza dough could be a little much, but don’t worry. These easy recipes and directions are fool-proof and fun-filled for the whole family (and no tossing your dough in the air is required).

What Ingredients Are Needed for Homemade Pizza Dough?

Only 6 ingredients, plus cornmeal are needed to make pizza dough with restaurant-quality taste and texture. So, grab some flour and practice your best Italian accent, because you’re about to rise to the occasion and make a delicious dough…crust us.

1. Yeast - Active dry yeast makes your pizza dough rise.
2. Sugar - Without sugar, your yeast is useless. To activate the yeast, dissolve it in warm water with sugar. The yeast will bubble and froth on top once it’s active.
3. Flour - Bread flour creates chewier crust than all-purpose flour, but the latter works well if you’re not into chewy. A gluten-free flour blend and whole wheat flour are also good options to fit other tastes, dietary needs and lifestyles.
4. Olive Oil - This is a key pizza player. It provides color and flavor, and serves as a barrier between the oil and water to prevent sogginess.
5. Salt - You’ll only be salty if you skip this ingredient. It provides flavor, strengthens the gluten (resulting in a chewier crust) and helps the dough rise.
6. Water - This gets combined with your oil.

Plus, cornmeal is key for dusting the pan…in turn, your pizza gets more flavor and crispness.

What Are the Steps to Making Homemade Pizza?

1. Make your dough by following the instructions from the recipe video below (or one of our other easy recipes).
2. Knead the dough by hand or beat the dough with your mixer.
3. Place your dough in a greased mixing bowl. Make sure it’s tightly covered and allow 90 minutes (or it can be overnight in the fridge if you’re tired from all that kneading) for the dough to rise. You’ll thank us when it’s stretchy and easy to work with. No one likes difficult, diva dough.
4. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles.
5. Roll out and shape your dough. To do this, start by putting olive oil on your work surface and hands. Now, you can stretch the dough in the air, or use a rolling pin or your hands. Just do your thing and work it, but don’t overwork it, because that creates a tough texture. Your finished product should be about ⅓” thick.
6. Top your dough. If the kids weren’t already begging to get in on the dough-making process, this is the time to get them involved. Let them go wild choosing their favorite toppings.
7. Bake your pizza. And please, we beg you, let it cool for just a little bit before your first bite. Roof of the mouth pizza burns are no fun at all.

Can You Make Pizza Dough Ahead of Time?

Oh yes. You can store it in an airtight container or a tightly covered bowl in the fridge for 5 days. And just be sure to let the dough set out at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.

Can You Freeze Pizza Dough?

Another yes! Simply roll your dough into a ball, lightly cover it with oil, then place the ball in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw by putting it in the fridge the night before you plan to get your pizza-making on.

Margherita Pizza with Homemade Dough Video

Ready in minutes, this made-from-scratch pizza is topped with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. Make it into whatever shape you desire for a fun, family-friendly meal. View and shop recipe.

Now that you’re in the dough-know on making the perfect pizza, it’s time to get things rolling and shop our fresh pizza ingredients. For more easy meal inspiration check our Blog and Meal Solutions page.