Soft Chewy Homemade Pizza Dough

Featured in: Family Favorites

Experience a soft and chewy pizza dough crafted to create a golden crust that pairs perfectly with any toppings. Combining bread flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, sugar, and salt, this dough requires gentle mixing and a 1–2 hour rise to develop flavor and texture. Kneading produces an elastic base that bakes crisp and tender after 12–15 minutes at high heat. Ideal for savory family meals, it can be shaped and topped to taste, with options for whole wheat substitution or freezing leftover portions.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:43:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Homemade Pizza Dough ready for toppings, smelling heavenly and promising deliciousness. Save
Golden, bubbly Homemade Pizza Dough ready for toppings, smelling heavenly and promising deliciousness. | pulseoven.com

A soft, chewy, and flavorful pizza dough perfect for family pizza nights. This recipe yields a versatile base for any topping combination and bakes up golden and delicious every time.

This dough has become our go-to for cozy family pizza nights, bringing everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread flour: 500 g plus more for dusting
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast: 7 g 1 packet
  • 1½ tsp fine sea salt:
  • 1 tsp sugar:
  • 1½ cups warm water: 360 ml approx 110°F43°C
  • 2 tbsp olive oil: 30 ml

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 510 minutes until foamy.
Step 2:
Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 810 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if sticky.
Step 4:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Step 5:
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 12 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6:
Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions for large pizzas or more for smaller pizzas.
Step 7:
Shape each portion into a ball. Rest for 1015 minutes, covered.
Step 8:
Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Step 9:
Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Top as desired and bake at 475°F 245°C for 1215 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
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Making this dough together has created many warm family moments filled with laughter and delicious homemade pizza.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, kitchen scale (optional but recommended), clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, rolling pin, baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand check labels if concerned.

Nutritional Information

Calories 260, Total Fat 3.5 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Protein 7 g (per serving based on 6 servings dough only)

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A close-up of soft Homemade Pizza Dough, showing its airy texture and perfect development after rising. | pulseoven.com
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This homemade pizza dough recipe is sure to become a family favorite with its simplicity and delicious results.

Recipe FAQs

How long should the dough rise for best results?

Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size, enhancing flavor and texture.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour in the dough?

Yes, you can replace up to 1 cup of bread flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.

What temperature is ideal for baking the dough?

Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.

What is the texture of the finished dough?

The dough bakes into a soft, chewy crust with a golden exterior that holds toppings well.

Can extra dough be stored for later use?

Yes, freeze extra portions after the first rise and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.

Are there tips to make the crust crispier?

Baking on a preheated pizza stone helps achieve a crispier, evenly cooked crust.

Soft Chewy Homemade Pizza Dough

A versatile dough yielding soft, chewy, golden crust perfect for family-style pizza nights.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Henry Baker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 4 cups bread flour (plus additional for dusting)
02 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
03 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
04 1 teaspoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

01 1½ cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
02 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make

Step 01

Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 02

Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil, bread flour, and sea salt to the yeast mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.

Step 03

Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour if the dough becomes sticky.

Step 04

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 05

Divide and Rest: Punch down the risen dough and divide into two equal portions. Shape each into a ball, cover, and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 06

Shape and Prepare for Baking: On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball to the desired thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.

Step 07

Bake: Top with your preferred ingredients and bake in a preheated oven at 475°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen scale (optional)
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergens

Always review each ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare provider if you're not sure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Use this nutrition estimate as a guideline, but be sure to verify with a health expert if needed.
  • Calories: 260
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 7 g