Nothing beats the taste of freshly baked homemade pizza, and the foundation of a great pizza is a perfect crust. Our homemade pizza dough recipe is easy to follow, versatile, and yields consistently great results, whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook. We’ve even included make-ahead and freezer instructions so that you can always have dough on hand, ready to bake.

Ready for something more advanced? Try our Italian Style Pizza Dough for that thin-crust perfection. Our Refrigerator Pizza Dough is another great option for dough that keeps for up to 2 weeks!

Close up view of pizza dough.

This pizza dough recipe is all about simplicity and flexibility. It yields a tender, flavorful crust that’s easily customizable to your desired thickness and size. Plus, you can easily adjust the recipe to make more or less dough depending on your needs, making it perfect for pizza nights with friends and family.

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can use bread flour, all-purpose flour, 00 flour, or even whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may result in a denser, less elastic dough.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can mix the ingredients by hand in a large mixing bowl and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Extra Tips for Success

  • Be sure to use warm water (not hot) when mixing your ingredients. Too-hot water can kill the yeast, while cold water may not activate it properly.
  • To achieve a perfectly round pizza crust, use a rolling pin and a gentle touch. If you prefer a more rustic look, simply stretch the dough by hand.
Overhead view of a ball of homemade pizza dough.

Make Ahead and Freezer Instructions

Make Ahead: Prepare your dough as directed. After a 30-minute rise, divide your dough into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The dough will continue to rise slowly in the fridge. When ready to use, let the dough come to room temperature before tossing it or rolling it out.

To freeze: Prepare your dough as directed. After a 90-minute rise, divide your dough into portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a resealable plastic freezer bag to prevent freezer burn, or wrap in a layer of aluminum foil over the plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature before using.

Delicious Pizza Flavor Ideas

Watch the Video

Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.