Homemade Soft Pizza Dough

Featured in: Family Dinners

This dough combines warm water, yeast, flour, olive oil, sugar, and salt to create a soft and elastic base. After kneading for 8–10 minutes, it rises until doubled, providing a chewy yet crisp crust. Bake at high heat for a golden finish.

Versatile and easy to prepare, this dough suits multiple topping combinations and can be chilled or frozen for future use. Ideal for family meals, it guarantees a satisfying texture with a rich, subtle flavor.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:04:00 GMT
Golden-brown Homemade Pizza Dough, ready to be topped, smelling of fresh baked bread for family night. Save
Golden-brown Homemade Pizza Dough, ready to be topped, smelling of fresh baked bread for family night. | turbobaker.com

A soft, chewy, and flavorful pizza dough perfect for family pizza nights. This recipe yields a versatile base for any topping combination and bakes up golden and delicious every time.

This dough has become our go-to for family pizza nights because it's so easy and reliable.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 4 cups (500 g) bread flour (plus more for dusting), 2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet), 1½ tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp sugar
  • Wet Ingredients: 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water (approx. 110°F/43°C), 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2:
Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Add a little extra flour if sticky.)
Step 4:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Step 5:
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6:
Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions for large pizzas (or more for smaller pizzas).
Step 7:
Shape each portion into a ball. Rest for 10–15 minutes, covered.
Step 8:
Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Step 9:
Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Top as desired and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Product image
Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.
Check price on Amazon
This Homemade Pizza Dough is smooth and elastic before rising, promising a perfect, chewy crust. Save
This Homemade Pizza Dough is smooth and elastic before rising, promising a perfect, chewy crust. | turbobaker.com

Making this dough brings back fond memories of our family gathering around the table to create personalized pizzas together.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, Wooden spoon, Measuring cups and spoons, Kitchen scale (optional but recommended), Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, Rolling pin, Baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand check labels if concerned.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 260, Total Fat: 3.5 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 7 g per serving (based on 6 servings dough only)

Image shows prepared and puffy Homemade Pizza Dough balls, perfect for a pizza night feast! Save
Image shows prepared and puffy Homemade Pizza Dough balls, perfect for a pizza night feast! | turbobaker.com
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Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
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This homemade pizza dough will elevate your family nights with delicious results every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How long should the dough rise?

Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size, ensuring a light and airy texture.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can replace up to 1 cup of bread flour with whole wheat flour for added flavor and fiber without compromising texture.

What temperature is best for baking?

Bake the dough at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes to achieve a crisp and golden crust.

How do I make the crust crispier?

Using a preheated pizza stone and baking on it helps create a crispier crust by evenly distributing heat.

Is it possible to freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze portions after the first rise and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.

What tools are recommended?

A large bowl, wooden spoon, rolling pin, and baking sheet or pizza stone simplify the dough making and baking process.

Homemade Soft Pizza Dough

A soft, chewy dough that bakes golden and works well with various toppings.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Written by Justin Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Amount 6 Number of Servings

Diet Info Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
02 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
04 1 teaspoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

01 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
02 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Cook

Step 01

Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Form Dough: Add olive oil, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Knead Dough: Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 04

First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled.

Step 05

Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide into two equal portions for large pizzas.

Step 06

Rest Dough Balls: Shape each portion into a ball and let rest covered for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 07

Roll Out: Roll each dough ball on a floured surface to desired thickness.

Step 08

Bake: Transfer rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Add desired toppings and bake at 475°F for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.

What You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Clean towel or plastic wrap
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergy Details

Double-check each ingredient for possible allergens and always check with your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is meant to guide, but it's not medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 260
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 7 g