Easy Pizza Dough: A Family Favorite Recipe
Pizza night at home is always a hit, but sometimes the thought of making pizza dough from scratch can seem like too much work. If you’re looking for a super simple, quick, and delicious pizza dough recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This easy pizza dough is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it did for us.
Last week, my family tried this recipe, and I couldn’t believe how simple it was to throw together. The dough was soft, chewy, and had just the right amount of crispiness on the edges. Everyone loved it, and I’m sure you will too!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup light beer or water
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 package yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more to drizzle
- 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the beer (or water), warm water, and yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and becomes foamy. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise.
- Mix the Dough: Add the sugar, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir well to combine.
- If You’re Using a Stand Mixer with a Dough Hook: Add 1 cup of flour to the bowl and use the dough hook on low to incorporate the ingredients. Gradually add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough forms. Let the dough hook knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- If You’re Mixing by Hand: Add 1 cup of flour to the mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes a loose batter. Add 2 more cups of flour and stir for 2-3 minutes, incorporating as much flour as you can. Finish mixing in the remaining flour with your hands, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and firm.
- Let It Rise: Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a clean, lightly-oiled bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape and Parbake: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Place the dough on a pizza stone or lightly greased round pizza pan. Parbake the dough for 4-5 minutes—this gives it a head start before adding the toppings.
- Add Toppings and Bake: After parbaking, add your desired sauce, cheese, and toppings. Then, bake for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Dough:
- Beer or Water: You can use either light beer or water in the dough. The beer adds a subtle flavor to the dough, but if you prefer a neutral taste, water works just as well.
- Stand Mixer vs. Hand Kneading: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook will save time and effort, but kneading by hand is just as effective if you enjoy the process.
- Customize Your Crust: Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder, dried oregano, or even grated parmesan cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: This dough can be made ahead of time! After it rises, punch it down, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just bring it to room temperature.
Why We Love This Recipe:
What I love most about this pizza dough is how quick and easy it is to make. It requires only a few ingredients, minimal prep time, and no complicated steps. Plus, the dough turns out perfectly every time, giving you a delicious base for all your favorite toppings.
My kids had a blast making their own pizzas, choosing their toppings, and watching them bake to golden perfection. It was a great family activity, and we all agreed that this dough recipe is a keeper!
So next time you’re in the mood for homemade pizza, give this easy pizza dough recipe a try. It’ll save you time and effort, and you’ll get the satisfaction of a delicious, homemade meal that everyone will love.
Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out for your family!
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