Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe for Crispy Chewy Crust

Homemade pizza dough is simple, versatile, and perfect for making a fresh pizza at home. This easy recipe uses only six basic ingredients and contains no additives or preservatives, so you can enjoy a cleaner, tastier crust.

Making pizza from scratch is approachable even for beginners. This recipe will guide you through mixing by machine or by hand, rising the dough, shaping it, and baking a golden, chewy crust. The method is forgiving: if the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour; if it seems dry, add a splash of water. Follow the steps below for consistent results and feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste.

Homemade pizza dough recipe – Short video

How to make homemade pizza dough – Step by step

• Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and stir until well mixed. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes—this activates the yeast.
• If using a stand mixer, add the olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Fit the mixer with the dough hook and start combining at low speed.
• Add additional flour as needed—typically an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup (about 30–65 g)—until the dough begins to come together. Increase to medium speed and knead for about 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• If mixing by hand, add the olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Lightly grease a clean, large bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat it in oil so all sides are lightly greased.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot to rise for 30–60 minutes, or until the dough has roughly doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with olive oil or nonstick spray and set it aside.

• Punch the dough down to release trapped air and divide it in half for two medium pizzas.
• On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion with your hands or a lightly floured rolling pin into the desired size and thickness.
• Transfer the shaped dough to the prepared pan. You can pinch or fold the edges to form a raised crust if you like.
• Cover the shaped dough lightly and let it rest for about 5 minutes while you prepare toppings.
• Optionally brush the surface with a little extra virgin olive oil to help prevent sogginess and promote browning.
• Add your favorite toppings and bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked through.
• Slice and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredients and tips

• Warm water: Use warm but not hot water, ideally between about 105–115ºF (40–45ºC), to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar works well. You can substitute brown sugar, coconut sugar, or cane sugar if preferred.
• Active dry yeast: This recipe relies on active dry yeast; baking powder or baking soda will not produce the same result.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and keeps the crust tender. Any neutral oil will work if needed.
• Salt: Iodized or sea salt both work—adjust to taste.
• All-purpose flour: This method is written for all-purpose flour. If using whole-wheat or gluten-free flours, you may need to adjust the quantities and expect a different texture.

Looking for more how-to vegan recipes?

• Arepas
• Gluten-Free Bread
• Vegan Pie Crust
• Vegan Bread
• Vegan Garlic Bread

Did you make this homemade pizza dough recipe?

Share your experience by leaving a comment and letting others know what worked for you. If you tried variations, such as adding herbs to the dough or using a different flour, mention those tips so others can learn from your adjustments.