This homemade pizza dough recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful pizza crusts perfect for any topping you desire. The dough is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and can be used to make 6 individual pizzas (18cm each). The combination of warm milk, water, yeast, and olive oil helps create a tender, slightly chewy crust that’s sure to be the highlight of your homemade pizza night. Whether you choose to top it with your favorite pizza toppings or enjoy it as is with a brush of melted butter, crushed pepper, and fresh parsley, this pizza dough is incredibly versatile and delicious.
Preparation Time
- Active Preparation: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on toppings)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
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For the Dough:
- 500g bread flour or all-purpose flour (4 cups)
- 160ml warm milk (2/3 cup)
- 160ml warm water (2/3 cup)
- 10g instant dry yeast (1.5 tbsp)
- 10g sugar (1 tbsp)
- 8g salt (0.8 tbsp)
- 18g olive oil (3 tbsp)
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For the Topping (optional):
- 20g melted unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- Crushed pepper
- Chopped parsley
Directions
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Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the instant dry yeast over the liquid and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
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Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix together using a spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
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Divide the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, each weighing around 150g. Roll each portion into a ball and cover with a cloth. Let the dough balls rest for 10-15 minutes to make them easier to shape.
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Shape the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Roll each dough ball into a circle of about 18cm in diameter, creating your individual pizza crusts. Place each crust onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza stone if you have one.
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Add the Topping (Optional):
- If desired, brush the top of each pizza dough with melted unsalted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with crushed pepper and chopped parsley for added flavor.
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Bake:
- Place the prepared pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cooked through. If you are adding toppings, bake until the cheese has melted and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
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Serve:
- Once the pizzas are ready, remove them from the oven, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade pizza with your favorite toppings!
Nutritional Facts (Per Pizza Base)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 300 mg
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe
Pizza is a beloved dish with roots tracing back to Italy, where it originated as a simple dish enjoyed by peasants, consisting of flatbread topped with local ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil. Over time, pizza evolved into the globally popular dish we know today, with variations and toppings differing by region.
The dough for pizza has remained remarkably consistent through the centuries, with variations made to suit local ingredients and cooking methods. This recipe provides a simple, yet traditional approach to making soft and flavorful pizza dough. Whether used as the base for classic Margherita or loaded with toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives, this pizza dough is a versatile and essential component of homemade pizza.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pizza dough recipe is the perfect base for creating your own pizza creations at home. The dough is soft, easy to work with, and has just the right balance of chewiness and crispiness once baked. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings or enjoy it with just a simple brush of melted butter, garlic, and herbs. You’ll love how easy it is to make and the delicious result that can rival any pizzeria.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
While pizza dough is a treat, it’s still a great source of energy, thanks to the carbohydrates in the flour. The addition of olive oil not only helps with texture but also provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. If you choose to top your pizza with healthy vegetables and lean proteins, you can turn this dough into a more nutritious meal. The dough itself is a great base for adding whatever you like, whether it’s vegetables, lean meats, or low-fat cheese for a healthier version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pizza dough with a variety of toppings to suit your taste—whether it’s a classic Margherita with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, or a more gourmet option like roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and arugula. Pair your homemade pizza with a side of fresh salad or a bowl of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you prefer to enjoy your pizza as an appetizer, try cutting the crust into smaller pieces and serving it with dips like marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter.
Tips
- If you prefer a crispier crust, roll the dough thinner before baking.
- For a chewier crust, allow the dough to rise for longer or let it rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours to develop more flavor.
- You can freeze the dough for up to a month if you want to make it ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
- Experiment with different oils for brushing the dough, such as garlic-infused olive oil for added flavor.
Variations to Try
- Whole Wheat Pizza Dough: Substitute half or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version of the crust.
- Garlic Herb Pizza Dough: Add dried oregano, basil, or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Pizza Dough: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
This homemade pizza dough recipe is a fantastic base for creating your own personalized pizza at home. With its soft, chewy texture and simple ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, delicious pizzas with minimal effort. Customize the dough with your favorite toppings, bake until golden, and enjoy a tasty meal that’s sure to satisfy every pizza lover at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this dough in advance?
A: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it rest at room temperature before rolling it out.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after it has risen. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge before using.
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A: Yes, you can. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk and water mixture before adding it to the flour. Let it sit for a few minutes to activate