Create the ultimate foundation for your homemade pizza dreams with this *Perfect Pizza Crust* recipe! Crafted with simple pantry staples—like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and a touch of granulated sugar—this versatile dough yields a soft, chewy interior with a beautifully crisp outer edge. The secret to its irresistible texture lies in kneading the dough to perfection and allowing it to rise until pillowy and airy. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a golden bake in under 12 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend pizza nights. Dusting your baking surface with cornmeal ensures a restaurant-style finish while enhancing the crust’s subtle crunch. Whether topped with classic marinara and mozzarella or your favorite gourmet ingredients, this homemade pizza crust promises a deliciously satisfying base every time.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix the ingredients together with a spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions for two 12-inch pizzas, or keep it whole for one large pizza.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Sprinkle a pizza stone or baking sheet with cornmeal, then transfer the dough onto it.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Add your desired toppings to the crust. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked through.
Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your perfect homemade pizza crust!
Calories |
1876 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.2 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3551 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 340.2 g | 124% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 47.7 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 61 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 625 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.