Creating the perfect pizza dough is the first step to making a truly exceptional homemade pizza. This Perfectly Chewy Pizza Dough is just the right balance of soft and chewy, with a slight crispiness on the outside, making it the ideal base for all your favorite toppings. The dough comes together with simple ingredients and a straightforward process, so you don’t have to be a professional baker to achieve pizza perfection. Once you master this dough, the possibilities are endless, from classic margherita to a fully loaded supreme pizza.

What sets this dough apart is its texture. Thanks to the olive oil and a warm rise, the dough becomes wonderfully pliable and easy to work with. It also provides a slight flavor that complements your sauce and toppings. The rising time gives the dough enough time to develop flavor, while the high baking temperature ensures a crisp crust that’s just the right level of crunch and chewiness.

Whether you’re making pizza for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this recipe guarantees a delicious pizza experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

With just a few pantry staples—flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, water, and optional sugar—you can create a pizza dough that rivals pizzerias. No complicated ingredients or techniques are required!

2. Perfect Texture

The dough strikes the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with a golden, slightly crispy crust that complements any pizza topping you choose.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe takes just about 90 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being hands-off while the dough rises. Perfect for busy evenings when you want a quick yet satisfying homemade pizza.

4. Flexible Yield

This recipe makes enough dough for two medium-sized pizzas, but you can easily halve or double the batch based on how many pizzas you’re planning to make.

5. Ideal for Any Toppings

Whether you love a classic Margherita pizza or a loaded supreme, this chewy dough serves as the perfect base for any topping combination you desire.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Variations

Whole Wheat Dough: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor and more fiber.
Herbed Dough: Add dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or garlic powder to the dough for a flavorful twist.
Gluten-Free Dough: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this dough gluten-free. Ensure that the yeast is gluten-free as well.
Sweet Pizza Dough: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough to give it a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for dessert-style pizzas.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. If you’re using sugar, dissolve it in the warm water and set it aside.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Gradually pour the warm water and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough forms a shaggy texture.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Punch Down and Divide

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any trapped air. Divide the dough into two equal portions for two pizzas.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Top the dough with your favorite pizza sauce and toppings. Be creative with your combinations—whether it’s a classic Margherita, a veggie delight, or a meaty supreme, the options are endless!

Step 8: Bake the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Water Temperature: Be sure the water is warm, not hot. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, and cold water may not activate it properly.
Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough for the right amount of time helps develop the gluten, which gives the dough its chewy texture.
Allow for Rising Time: Don’t rush the rising process. Letting the dough rise properly ensures it becomes light, airy, and easy to stretch.
Flour Your Surface: When rolling out the dough, make sure your surface is well-floured to prevent the dough from sticking.
Use a Pizza Stone: For an extra crispy crust, bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone. It helps create a more even heat distribution.

How to Serve

This Perfectly Chewy Pizza Dough is versatile and can be topped with anything from classic marinara sauce and cheese to gourmet toppings like arugula, prosciutto, or caramelized onions. Pair with a side of fresh salad and a glass of wine for the perfect meal. It’s great for casual dinners, family gatherings, or pizza parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover dough, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Freezing the Dough

To freeze the dough, shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating Leftover Pizza

To reheat leftover pizza, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to dissolve it in the warm water first before adding it to the dry ingredients.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

3. Can I make just one pizza?

Absolutely. You can halve the recipe to make one pizza.

4. Can I use olive oil for greasing the bowl?

Yes, olive oil works perfectly for greasing the bowl, and it adds a subtle flavor to the dough.

5. Can I add garlic or herbs to the dough?

Yes, feel free to add garlic powder, oregano, or basil to the dough for added flavor.

6. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size after rising for about an hour. If you gently press your finger into it, the indentation should remain.

7. Can I use a baking sheet instead of a pizza stone?

Yes, a baking sheet works just fine. For a crispier crust, preheat the baking sheet in the oven before placing the dough on it.

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

9. How can I make the crust thicker?

If you prefer a thicker crust, simply roll the dough to a smaller diameter, or let it rise for a longer period before baking.

10. Can I use whole wheat flour for this dough?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier version.

Conclusion

This Perfectly Chewy Pizza Dough is simple, quick, and results in a pizza crust that’s just the right combination of chewy, crispy, and flavorful. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll be able to create a pizza base that elevates any topping you choose. Whether you’re making one pizza or two, this dough recipe is a must-try for pizza lovers everywhere.