Pizza Crust Recipe

This pizza crust recipe produces a soft, chewy, and flavorful base that’s ideal for homemade pizzas. Made with simple ingredients, the dough can be prepared the same day or allowed to develop more flavor when made ahead of time. Discover more flavorful recipes like Pizza Crust Recipe right here.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
7/8 to 1 1/8 cups lukewarm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Directions

If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in a small amount of warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit until it becomes foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture (or instant yeast), remaining water, olive oil, flour, and salt.
Mix and knead until a smooth, soft dough forms.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it becomes puffy, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Divide the dough into portions based on your desired pizza size.
Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for about 15 minutes.
Stretch or press the dough into your preferred pizza shape on a greased baking surface.
Cover and allow it to rise again until slightly puffy, about 1 to 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Bake the crust for 8 to 14 minutes, depending on thickness, until lightly golden.
Add your favorite toppings and return to the oven, baking until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden brown.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 to 30 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 8 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 to 2 pizzas