Making pizza at home is super fun and tastes way better then frozen pizza. But the key is good dough. If dough is hard or chewy in bad way pizza just wont be good.
Here is simple homemade pizza dough recipe for soft chewy and really tasty crust. Dont worry its easy even if you dont cook much.
Ingredients You Need
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2 1/4 teaspoons (one pack) dry yeast
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1 and half cups warm water (not hot or yeast will die)
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3 and half cups all purpose flour (bread flour also good)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin better if u got)
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon sugar (helps yeast start working)
Step 1: Activate Yeast
Mix warm water and sugar in bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Wait 5 to 10 minutes till foamy or bubbly. If no bubbles means yeast dead. Get new yeast.
Step 2: Mix Dough
In big bowl put flour and salt. Make hole in middle. Pour yeast mix and olive oil there. Mix with spoon or hand until dough forms. If too sticky add little flour but dont add too much or dough hard.
Step 3: Knead Dough
Put dough on floured surface. Knead 8 to 10 minutes till smooth and stretchy. If sticky sprinkle little flour but not too much.
If you have mixer with dough hook use it to save work.
Step 4: Let Dough Rise
Put dough in oiled bowl and cover with cloth or plastic wrap. Keep warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours till dough double size.
Dont skip this or crust will be hard.
Step 5: Punch and Shape Dough
Punch dough down after rising to get rid of air bubbles. Divide if making more than one pizza. Roll or stretch dough on floured table.
Make dough not too thin for chewy crust.
Step 6: Pre-bake (Optional)
Bake dough for 5 mins at 450°F before toppings if you want crispy base.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Bake
Add sauce, cheese, toppings u like. Bake in oven at 475°F for 12 to 15 mins till crust golden and cheese melted and bubbly.
Tips For Best Dough
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Use warm water not hot or yeast dies
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Dont add too much flour or dough hard
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Let dough rise enough, dont rush
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Olive oil makes dough soft and tasty
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Knead well for chewy texture
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If sticky wet hands instead of flour
Final Thoughts
Making pizza dough at home is easier then u think and tastes way better then store bought.
Try adding herbs or garlic powder in dough for extra flavor after u get hang of basic recipe.
Have fun and enjoy pizza night with friends or family.