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The Best Easy Homemade Pizza Recipe for a Chewy, Crispy Crust

Close-up of a thick, airy slice of homemade pizza crust showing large air pockets and a cheesy tomato topping.
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Make the perfect pizza from scratch tonight. This recipe gives you a no-fail dough that results in a chewy interior and a crispy bottom, perfect for your next family pizza night.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup homemade pizza sauce or store-bought sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Your favorite toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat and prepare: About 30 minutes before baking, place a pizza stone or baking sheet in your oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C).
  6. Shape the crust: Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide it in half for two medium pizzas, or use the whole batch for one large pizza. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into your desired shape, about 12 to 14 inches across.
  7. Assemble the pizza: Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal. Spread an even layer of homemade pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your chosen toppings.
  8. Bake the pizza: Slide the parchment paper and pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for 3 minutes before slicing and serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone and let the dough rest for 1 hour after shaping before adding toppings.
  • If you want a quick weeknight pizza, you can let the dough rise for only 30 minutes, though the flavor will be less developed.
  • For an artisan pizza dough texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://bringdish.com/best-easy-homemade-pizza-recipe/