Lykkers, have you ever wondered how to make a pizza crust that's perfectly thick, crispy, and chewy all at once? Well, we've got you covered!

Making homemade pizza dough might sound intimidating, but with a few simple ingredients and some patience, you'll be able to make your own pizza from scratch. Not only is it fun, but it's also incredibly rewarding when you bite into a fresh, homemade pizza.

This recipe yields two 12-inch pizzas, and if you want to keep some dough for later, you can even freeze half. Let's get started on our pizza dough adventure!

Why Make Your Own Pizza Dough?

When it comes to homemade pizza, the dough is everything. Store-bought dough can never quite match the freshness and texture of dough made from scratch. By making your own dough, you control the ingredients, ensuring that it's as fresh as possible.

Plus, the process of creating the dough yourself adds an extra layer of satisfaction that takes your pizza game to the next level. Let's dive into the steps that will help us create the perfect pizza crust, from the mixing to the kneading to the rising!

The Ingredients You'll Need for the Perfect Pizza Dough

Before we start making the dough, let's gather our ingredients. Here's everything we'll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water (between 100-110°F, 38-43°C)

• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) Platinum Yeast (instant yeast from Red Star is a great option)

• 1 Tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar

• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus extra for greasing

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 and 1/2 cups (about 450g) unbleached all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus extra for flouring the work surface

• A sprinkle of cornmeal for dusting the pan

Once you have everything ready, we can move on to the fun part—mixing and kneading the dough!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza Dough

Now, it's time to get our hands a little messy and make the dough! Here's a simple breakdown of the process:

1.Activate the Yeast:

Start by whisking the warm water, yeast, and sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. You should see the mixture become slightly foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic. If you don't have a stand mixer, don't worry—you can easily mix the dough by hand with a large bowl and a wooden spoon.

2.Mixing the Dough:

Once the yeast is ready, add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl. Use the mixer to beat on low speed for 2 minutes. If you're mixing by hand, stir until everything is well combined.

3.Kneading the Dough:

Knead the dough for 5 minutes either in the mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface. If the dough becomes sticky, you can add a teaspoon of flour at a time, but don't overdo it! The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, but not dry.

If you're new to kneading, check out a tutorial on how to knead dough—this will make the process easier. You'll know the dough is ready for rising when you poke it with your finger and it slowly bounces back.

Letting the Dough Rise

Once the dough is kneaded, it's time to let it rise. Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides in oil. Cover the bowl with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 60-90 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This is the point where the dough becomes light and airy, creating the perfect base for your pizza crust.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

While the dough rises, it's important to preheat your oven. Set it to 475°F (246°C) and let it heat for at least 15-20 minutes. If you're using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. Lightly grease your baking sheet or pizza pan with olive oil or nonstick spray and sprinkle a little cornmeal on top. This will give your pizza crust that extra crunch and flavor!

Shaping the Pizza Dough

When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions (or freeze half for another time if you're not making two pizzas). On a lightly floured surface, gently flatten each dough ball into a disc. Once flattened, stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then try again. Once shaped, create a small lip around the edge to form a crust.

Top and Bake Your Pizza

Now comes the fun part—topping your pizza! Before adding toppings, use your fingers to gently press dents into the surface of the dough to prevent bubbles from forming during baking. Brush the surface with olive oil to help keep the crust from getting soggy, then top with your favorite toppings. Whether it's classic pepperoni and cheese or something more adventurous like pesto and spinach, the options are endless!

Bake the pizza for 13-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Once baked, remove from the oven, slice, and serve immediately. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Storing Leftovers and Freezing Dough

If you happen to have leftover pizza (which is rare, we know!), store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or a hot pan for a few minutes to crisp it up again.

If you want to make the dough ahead of time, freeze half of it for later. After kneading, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you're ready to use it, just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Pizza, Lykkers!

There you have it, Lykkers! Making homemade pizza dough is easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it. Whether you're making one pizza or two, the dough will be the perfect base for all your delicious toppings. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy pizza like never before. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do!

Let us know your favorite pizza topping combinations in the comments—we'd love to hear from you!