The Only (And Best) Pizza Dough Recipe You'll Ever Need

Pizza dough is the foundation of any great pizza - learn how to nail it, and you'll get a fantastic pizza that transports you to the cobbled streets of Italy or the bright lights of New York City every single time.

Having the perfect pizza dough recipe in your arsenal is a game changer, giving you a delicious base for all your favorite pizza toppings. Not to mention, mastering one pizza dough recipe opens up the door to endless possibilities. Once you have a recipe you know and trust, you can create a whole range of different pizza-based dishes, from deep-dish creations to authentic Italian Neapolitan, as well as garlic bread, breadsticks, pizza pockets, and so much more.

Using our Prepa Pizza kit and our recommended recipe will give you perfect pizza dough every single time.

Why Pizza Dough is the Best Beginner’s Bread

Pizza dough might seem intimidating, especially if you've never made it before, but it's actually super easy to master - especially if you use one of our kits. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice for beginners.

• It Has Simple Ingredients - That's right; all you need is a handful of pantry staples that work seamlessly together to help you whip up a quick and delicious homemade pizza dough. Our kit comes with a range of high-quality ingredients that help you make perfect pizza dough every time.
• Get Faster Results - Unlike other breads that have longer fermentation processes (we're looking at you, sourdough), pizza dough can actually be ready in as little as a couple of hours, which is what makes it such a great bread for beginners. Of course, you can implement a longer fermentation process for even better dough - but more on that later.
• Pizza Dough is Versatile - From thin-crust pizzas to fluffy garlic knots, one dough recipe can open up endless baking possibilities. Master our one recommended recipe, and you can make an entire feast.
• It Gives Beginners Hands-On Learning - To make homemade pizza dough, you need to use essential bread-making skills, such as kneading, proofing, and shaping. It provides a gateway into making a range of other breads.

What is the Secret to Good Pizza Dough?

The secret to excellent pizza dough is simple. It lies in three main things: ingredients, the technique, and patience.

High-Quality Ingredients - Use 00 flour for a more elastic dough and an authentic pizza crust. You can also add a touch of extra virgin olive oil for flavor and color. Make sure to use fresh yeast to ensure a strong rise.

Proper Hydration - Getting the right water-to-flour ratio is key to any perfecting homemade pizza dough recipe. Too little water can make the dough tough, but too much will bring together a sticky dough that's hard to handle.

Enough Kneading - You need to knead the dough enough to develop the gluten, which will give the dough its structure and elasticity. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth, stretchy, and doesn't pull away when touched.

Fermentation - This is perhaps the most important step in any pizza dough recipe. Allowing the dough to ferment and rise is crucial for developing a fantastic pizza flavor. The longer the fermentation time, the better the taste.

Using Pizza Prepa For Perfect Home-Cooked Pizza Every Time

Pizza Party Size 🥳

Prepa Pizza Dough Kit

815g - $29.97 - 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 3178 reviews

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With the huge range of pizza dough recipes out there, you need one you can trust. Choosing to use our Prepa Pizza Kits will give you the best pizza dough, even if you're a complete beginner. Our homemade pizza dough recipe is one you'll want to save and use forever.

Our Ingredients

For our kits, we only include brands that are used by top pizzerias around the world. This ensures that you get the best pizza dough every single time.

• OO Piza Flour - This is the backbone of the dough, which is why choosing the right flour is so important. Our flour is imported directly from Italy for that delicious, signature pizza taste.
• Salt - You'll find this mixed in the largest flour bag.
• Malt powder - You'll find this mixed in the largest flour bag.
• Honey - This ingredient helps activate the yeast, gives the pizza crust a bit more color, and provides you with an even better flavor.
• Olive oil - This makes the dough a lot easier to work with and gives the dough the lovely, golden pizza color we all know and love.
• Semolina - This ingredient will help you stretch out the pizza dough.

Get started with our Prepa Pizza Kits.

Prepa Pizza Instructions

Step One - Making the Poolish

A poolish is a pre-fermented dough. This is an essential step that will give the end result of your pizza crust so much more flavor.

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the bag marked "P," the yeast packet, the honey packet, and one measuring cup of water.
2. Use plastic wrap or a lid to create a tight seal on the bowl that will stop air from getting in. Leave the bowl on the counter for an hour. Then, place it in the fridge and leave it to cold ferment overnight.

Tip Tip: Can't wait one more day for delicious pizza dough? That's okay! Make the poolish early in the morning, which will give it some time to ferment. You don't need to put it in the refrigerator - just leave it on the counter.

Step Two - Making the Dough

If you're taking your poolish out of the refrigerator, let it rest on the counter for 20-30 minutes, as this will let it come to room temperature. Alternatively, if you're using your poolish on the same day and you've left it on the counter, place it in the fridge for 15 minutes to cool off.

1. Mix 2/3 cups of (cold) water into the poolish. This should give the mixture a milky-like texture.
2. Add the rest of the flour bag (with the salt and malt powder) to your mixing bowl. Add in the olive oil packet, and mix everything together with your hand or a wooden spoon. This should come together to create a shaggy dough.

Step Three - First Rest

Resting is an essential step for your dough, as it will relax it and help it build gluten.

1. Shape the dough into one large ball and then cover it up using the mixing bowl (upside down), a tea towel, or some plastic wrap. If you're using plastic wrap, we recommend lightly brushing the dough with olive oil. Just make sure to use it sparingly, as too much can actually break down the gluten content in the dough and affect the texture and taste.
2. Leave to rise at room temperature for at least 15-30 minutes. The longer you leave your dough balls to rise at this point, the better they will be.

Step Four - Kneading and Balling

At this point, the dough should feel sticky but shouldn't pull away from your hand - this is how you know it's ready for the next step.

1. Knead the dough for 15-45 minutes until you have a smooth ball that doesn't come apart.
2. Once you've finished kneading, cover the dough with the mixing bowl and let it rest for one hour.
3. Using a dough scraper or knife, cut the dough into four dough balls for decent-sized pizzas. These should weigh between 265g and 270g.
4. Shape and fold each piece of dough until they turn into balls. Place each dough ball two fingers apart on a deep sheet tray or proofing container lined with parchment paper.

Step Five - Second Rest

1. Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
2. Leave the dough balls to proof for an hour until they double inside and are touching. This means they've been properly fermented and are ready to make a delicious pizza!

Step Six - Stretching and Baking Your Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible for 20-30 minutes.
2. Empty the semolina packet out onto the counter.
3. Dust your dough ball with semolina and transfer the ball from the tray to the counter.
4. Coat the dough ball with the semolina and begin to stretch the dough.
5. Transfer the stretched dough onto a pizza peel or parchment paper and add all your favorite toppings.
6. Use a pizza stone or baking sheet for best results, and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is hot and bubbling.

Our Top Tip for Perfect Pizza Dough

A Note on Stand Mixers - This recipe can be done by hand, but if you want to speed up the process, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Use a Pizza Stone - Using a pizza stone or a pizza pan is the best way to make sure your pizza cooks evenly all the way through, giving you perfect, high-quality pizza every single time. Make sure to preheat your pizza pan or stone in the oven beforehand.

Invest in a Temperature Probe - A thermometer or temperature probe will let you know when the dough is ready to use. Knead until the probe reads 23 degrees celsius, then you'll know it's done.

Try Longer Fermentation - If you want an even more delicious pizza crust, we recommend trying a longer fermentation process. Once your dough has finished its first rest (30 minutes at room temperature), we recommend refrigerating for a maximum of three days.

Making an Authentic Neapolitan-Style Pizza

If you want to make a 12-inch authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, aim for a 250g dough ball size. It's also essential to incorporate a longer fermentation process, as this will create the delicious dough flavor that this type of pizza is so famous for.

Furthermore, make sure to turn your oven up to the highest temperature possible. A pre-heated pizza stone will help you emulate the high heat from a pizza oven, giving you a Neapolitan-style pizza that tastes like it's come right out of the streets of Naples.

Great Pizzas to Try With This Dough

Once you've mastered our easy pizza dough recipe, you can go on to create a range of delicious homemade pizzas that will wow your friends at pizza parties and impress your whole family during pizza nights. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Classic Margherita Pizza

You can't go wrong with a classic. And few things are as satisfying as a simple Margherita pizza. With just fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, this recipe is the perfect way to show off the flavor and texture of your pizza dough.

Stretch out your dough and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the surface. Complete with slices of mozzarella and bake. Don't forget to top your pizza with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving - this will give your pizza an extra something.

Stuffed Crust Pizza

Take your pizza to the next level with this crowd-pleaser. Nothing beats a stuffed crust - taking a big bite and being rewarded with that satisfying cheese pull. You don't need any special skills to make this pizza, either - it's surprisingly easy to do.

Just stretch out the dough and circle the edges with mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough, cover the cheese, and press down to make a seal. All you need to do now is top the pizza with your favorite ingredients and bake as normal.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Pepperoni pizza rolls are great appetizers for a pizza party or snacks during the day. They're also a hit with kids, which means they're the perfect choice if you want to impress your family.

Rather than rolling your pizza out into the classic circle, roll it out flat into a rectangle. Spread your choice of pizza sauce, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, and fill it with pepperoni slices. Roll the dough, slice them into rounds, and bake them in a muffin tin for 12-15 minutes.

BBQ Texan Pizza

Looking for a bold and smoky flavor? A BBQ-inspired pizza recipe is great for hitting the pizza itch while also giving you something a bit different. BBQ Texan pizzas usually contain chicken, onions, and, of course, a sweet and tangy BBQ base.

Make this as you would a normal pizza - just swap out your tomato pizza sauce for BBQ instead. Bake until the crust is golden and the toppings have caramelized.

Garlic Knots

Buttery, fluffy, garlicky knots are irresistible as a side dish or snack and make a great addition to any pizza night or dinner party.

All you have to do is shape the dough into a log and then cut the dough into strips. Tie each strip into a knot. Brush with melted garlic butter. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Top Tip - Coat each garlic knot fresh from the oven with more garlic butter, fresh chopped parsley, and parmesan. Delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Pizza Dough

What is the Best Type of Dough for Pizza?

Once you have a good dough recipe, you can use it to make all different types of pizza dough and just substitute the ingredients. For example, if you want to make Neapolitan Pizza Dough, swap out your bread flour for high-protein 00 flour. This will create a soft and elastic dough, which is perfect for getting the thin, airy pizza crusts that Neapolitan pizza is so famous for.

On the other hand, New York-style pizza dough has a chewier crust, which means bread flour (or even all-purpose flour) will work great. Whole wheat pizza dough is made from whole wheat flour, giving you a nuttier, more Earthy flavor that artisan pizza lovers will adore.

If you want to make a sourdough pizza, just swap out the yeast (whether you're using active dry yeast or fresh yeast) for a sourdough starter. This will give you a delicious sourdough pizza with a tangy taste.

The point is, no matter what type of pizza you're making, once you have a reliable and easy pizza dough recipe, everything else will follow naturally.

Can I Freeze Homemade Pizza Dough?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze pizza dough. Freezing doesn't make a difference in the texture and flavor of the dough, so feel free to make a big batch and thaw the dough whenever you need it. In fact, freezing pizza dough is a great way to save time for the future.

All you have to do is divide the dough into individual portions and shape them into smooth dough balls. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. You can store frozen dough balls for up to three months.

To thaw frozen pizza dough, move it into the fridge and let the dough defrost overnight. Make sure the dough has returned to room temperature before you use it again, and carry on using the dough as normal.

What's the Best Yeast to Use for Pizza Dough?

Yeast is one of the most important ingredients of good homemade pizza dough, helping it to rise and form that satisfying pizza crust. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of yeast and when to use them.

Active Dry Yeast - This type of yeast is most commonly used in homemade pizza. This yeast has been dried out to preserve its shelf life. You need to activate it in water before adding it to the dough, just to make sure the yeast is alive and ready. Active dry yeast is reliable to use and super easy to find, which makes it perfect for beginner bakers.

With our kits, your yeast will always be ready to work with.

Instant Yeast (or Fast-Acting Yeast) - This type of yeast is a lot finer than its dry active counterpart, and you don't have to activate it first; you can mix it with the dry ingredients, which saves heaps of time. This is perfect for bakers who need more convenience.

Fresh Yeast (or Cake Yeast) - Fresh yeast gives more flavor to your pizza dough and is most often used in professional kitchens. However, keep in mind that it doesn't last as long as the other options.

Sourdough Starter - If you want to bake a pizza crust with a sourdough base, you'll need to use a sourdough starter in place of the yeast. This creates a different type of dough altogether, with a more complex, tangy flavor. However, it takes a lot more time to make, with most sourdough starters taking between seven and thirty days to "bloom" ready for baking. But if you have a little bit of patience, this will make a delicious and satisfying pizza dough.

What is the Best Flour for Making Pizza Dough?

You can actually use a range of flours to make pizza dough. However, it's important to note that different flours will give you different textures and tastes. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Bread Flour - This type of flour has a high protein content compared to all-purpose flour, which is great for making homemade pizza dough. It gives a delicious pizza crust that suits a range of different pizzas, such as New York-style pizza, Neapolitan pizza, or any pizza with a crispy and chewy texture.

All-Purpose Flour - Many pizza recipes recommend this flour for its versatility. It doesn't have as high of a protein content as the other flour mentioned, but it does the job, producing a nice pizza base for all your favorite toppings.

00 Flour (Double Zero Flour) - This is fantastic flour for any homemade pizza dough recipe. 00 flour is finely milled with a good protein content. It's designed for high-temperature ovens, creating a light, airy crust with a crisp exterior. This makes it the best flour if you're looking to make authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.

Whole Wheat Flour - If you want to make a whole wheat pizza, whole wheat flour is the one for you. This flour contains the bran and germ of the wheat, which gives the pizza dough a nutty, Earthy flavor. It also has a high protein content, which makes it great for health-conscious individuals looking for great, healthy, and delicious rustic-style pizzas. But keep in mind that this flour gives off a denser dough texture compared to other flour.

Gluten-Free Flours - Gluten-free flours (like almond, rice, or a gluten-free flour blend) are essential for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease who just want to enjoy absolutely delicious pizza without a flare-up.

What Tools do I Need to Make Pizza Dough?

Making pizza dough doesn’t actually need a kitchen full of specialized tools, but having the right equipment can make the pizza dough process a lot quicker and easier. Here are some of our tool recommendations.

Essential Tools:

• A Mixing Bowl - Every baker needs a large mixing bowl, whether you're making pizza dough or baking a cake. It doesn't matter so much about the material as long as the bowl is sturdy enough. Glass, stainless steel, or plastic bowls all work well.
• Kitchen Scales - It's true what they say: baking is a science, and cooking is an art. Scales will ensure you're hitting those measurements accurately every single time, making this a must-have tool - especially if you're a beginner.
• A Wooden Spoon or Spatula - This will help you mix the dough before kneading. A wooden spoon is great for handling the sticky dough that pizza produces.
• Clean Surface for Kneading - You need a countertop, pastry board, or a silicone baking mat to knead the dough.
• Plastic Wrap or Damp Towel - These tools are used to cover the dough during proofing to keep it from drying out.

Optional (But Helpful) Tools:

• A Stand Mixer with a Dough Hook - Prefer hands-free kneading? You might want to invest in a stand mixer to save you a whole lot of time. If you want to make Biga bread, you'll definitely need a stand mixer for that.
• Bench Scraper - A bench scraper makes handling and dividing dough so much easier, especially if it’s sticky.
• A Pizza Stone or Steel - A pizza stone or steel will replicate the high, even heat of a traditional pizza oven, giving you a crispier crust. You'll need one of these if you're planning to make a Neapolitan crust.
• Pizza Peel - A wooden or metal pizza peel will help you transfer the dough to the oven and keep all your toppings intact.
• Proofing Container - A lidded, airtight container helps manage long proofing times, especially when it comes to refrigerated dough.

With just the essential tools, you can make delicious pizza dough at home. For even better results and convenience, consider adding some of our optional recommended tools to your pizza-making arsenal.

Get Perfect Pizza Every Time with Prepa Pizza Kits

Pizza Party Size 🥳

Prepa Pizza Dough Kit

815g - $29.97 - 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 3178 reviews

Shop Now

A great, easy pizza dough recipe is only as good as its ingredients. Our pizza dough kits are your gateway to baking authentic, restaurant-quality pizza right from your own home. Both novice bakers and seasoned pizza enthusiasts can make perfect pizza with our easy-to-use kits.

6 Ingredients for an Authentic Italian Experience

Each of our Prepa Pizza Kits includes six carefully curated ingredients for the ultimate flavor: flour, salt, malt powder, honey, olive oil, and semolina.

What's more, our 00 piza flour is directly imported from Italy, which means your dough will capture the authentic taste and texture of traditional Italian pizza. With these high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy the flavor of Italy no matter where you are.

Great Kits for All Skill Levels

Whether this is your first attempt at making pizza dough or you’re a busy pro looking to save time, Prepa Pizza Kits are foolproof. Every kit is designed to guarantee success, regardless of your skill level.

Make Healthy, Restaurant-Style Pizzas

Enjoy the satisfaction of making pizza that’s not only delicious but also healthier than takeout. Our kits are perfect for family pizza nights or entertaining guests at dinner parties, helping you create the perfect base for any topping.

A Huge Time Saver

Say goodbye to hunting around your kitchen for all your ingredients. Our kits have everything you need to create your own pizza dough at home. Get the best pizza crust for a fraction of the time.

So Much More Than Just Pizza

Prepa Pizza Kits aren’t limited to making pizzas. With our dough, you can whip up a variety of baked delights, including garlic knots, bread sticks, and calzones. With just one kit comes endless possibilities!

With Prepa Pizza Kits, say goodbye to bland, pre-made crusts and hello to the joy of authentic homemade pizza.

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Conclusion

Pizza dough might seem intimidating to make, but it doesn't have to be. If you've been wanting to make your own pizza dough, we're here to help. Our easy pizza dough recipe and Prepa Pizza kit will give you delicious pizza every single time.

With just a handful of top-quality ingredients, a little patience, and our recipe, you can create restaurant-quality pizzas right from your own home. Whether you’re a beginner baker exploring dough-making for the first time or a seasoned cook looking for the best homemade pizza dough recipe, we've got you.