Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

Introduction:

Indulge in the delight of homemade pizza with this easy-to-follow recipe for homemade pizza dough. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, crafting your own pizza from scratch is both satisfying and delicious. Get ready to involve the whole family in creating personalized pizzas with their favorite toppings!

Ingredients:

• 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, divided
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing the dough
• ¾ cup warm water

Instructions:

Dough Preparation:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and warm water, then mix thoroughly.
3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually stir in another 1 cup of flour until the dough forms a soft, elastic ball. Use the remaining 1/3 cup flour only if needed. The dough should still be slightly sticky but able to form a ball.
4. Prepare Bowl: Generously brush a large, clean bowl with olive oil.
5. Let it Rise: Transfer the dough ball to the oiled bowl, turning it once to lightly coat it on all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 30-60 minutes.

Pizza Assembly and Baking:

1. Punch Down Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Knead it for 1 minute until smooth.
2. Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough into a large circle and place it on a pizza pan. Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough, then brush it with olive oil.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, followed by mozzarella cheese and your choice of toppings.
5. Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
6. Serve: Cut the pizza into wedges and serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 14kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 294mg
• Potassium: 20mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 2mg
• Iron: 1mg

Tips:

• Ensure the water used in the dough is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
• Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps activate the yeast and ensures a fluffy crust.
• Customize your pizza by adding your favorite toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

FAQs:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour to add more fiber to your pizza crust.

2. How long can I store the pizza dough?
You can store the pizza dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This allows for a longer fermentation time, which enhances the flavor of the crust.