A homemade pizza is a wonderful thing and it all starts with the perfect pizza dough recipe. Light and tender on the inside, with a lovely crisp exterior, this pizza dough recipe will be one to hang on to.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon caster sugar or honey
- 180ml warm water or warm milk
- 2 cup plain flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Extra flour for dusting
Method
1. Activate the yeast
- In a large, deep bowl combine 2 teaspoon (7g) dry yeast with 1/2 teaspoon caster sugar or honey and 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water or warm milk.
- Set the mixture aside for 5-10 minutes in a warm place until it becomes frothy – which signals that the yeast has been activated.
2. Prepare the dough
- Place two cups of plain flour in a large bowl and stir through a teaspoon of salt.
- Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil; stir to combine. It should come together as a wet, thick dough ball.
- Tip the pizza dough out onto a large, floured surface.
- Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic (do this by pushing the dough away from you and bringing it up over itself; giving it a turn each side).
- Lightly oil the inside of a bowl and place the pizza dough in it. Cover it tightly, and place in a warm spot for 1 hour (or until doubled in size). Now your dough is ready to go.
3. Make your pizza
- When you’re ready to make your pizza, lightly dust the work surface with flour and roll the dough into shape. Then, load it up with your desired sauces and toppings and put it in the oven to cook.
What is basic pizza dough made of?
A simple pizza dough recipe like this one is made of activated yeast, flour, salt and oil. To activate the yeast, you need warm water or milk and a source of sugar (we’ve used fine caster sugar or honey in this recipe). Some recipes may suggest instant dried yeast that you can mix with flour without activating. But the actual process of activating yeast is so simple and works perfectly for this basic pizza dough.
What is the secret to making good pizza dough?
The quality of pizza dough depends on a lot of different factors, including the quality of the ingredients, how long it is left to rest and how it’s cooked. Following the recipe also helps. But perhaps the real secret is experience – practice makes perfect, after all. And who doesn’t want to make delicious pizza at home as often as possible?
