Description
This Crazy Dough Recipe for Pizza is a simple and reliable homemade pizza dough that yields a soft, elastic crust perfect for all your favorite toppings. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this dough activates yeast, rises beautifully, and bakes into a golden, bubbly crust ready for any pizza creation.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and optional garlic powder. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir everything together until it starts forming a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it thoroughly for about 5-7 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Add extra flour sparingly if the dough is too sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise: Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave the dough in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release trapped air. Transfer to a floured surface and roll or stretch it into your desired pizza shape and thickness. For multiple pizzas, divide dough into portions accordingly.
- Add Toppings: Place the shaped dough on a pizza pan, baking sheet, or heated pizza stone. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings evenly on the dough surface.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake the assembled pizza for 10-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use a pizza stone if possible for a crispier crust.
- You can add garlic powder optionally for extra flavor in the dough.
- Adjust flour amounts slightly depending on humidity and flour brand.
- Allow the dough enough time to rise to develop texture and flavor.
- Store leftover dough in the refrigerator wrapped tightly and use within 2 days.
