Hey pizza lovers! Darian here from County Mama Cooking. Making pizza at home is one of my favorite family activities, but it all starts with a simple homemade pizza dough. Today, let’s skip the recipe and talk tips for mixing and kneading, serving ideas, FAQs, and why making your own dough is so rewarding.
Pizza Dough
Equipment
- 1 stand mixer
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 medium-sized bowl
- 1 towel or saran wrap
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp White granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Yeast
- 1 cup Warm water
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2½ cups All-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a liquid measuring cup, add your warm water, sugar and yeast. Give a good stir then let 'proof' for about 10 minutes.
- While that proofs, measure out your other ingredients and get them ready.
- In a stand mixer using a dough hook (you could easily use a hand mixer with a dough hook / a wooden spoon - this will really give your arms a workout), pour the water/ yeast mixture into the bowl.
- Turn on the mixer onto either the first of second speed, then add in vegetable oil and salt.
- Proceed by slowly adding in the flour.
- Once all mixed, remove the dough hook.
- Grease a medium-sized bowl, and place the dough in somewhat of a ball into the bowl. Cover with a towel or saran wrap and let rise for minimum 10 minutes.
- Once ready, roll out the dough on a floured surface and roll out your dough for your pizza (or for whatever you're using the dough for).
- Baking time will vary depending on what your using this dough for. If using for pizza times may vary depending on toppings.
Video
Tips for Mixing and Kneading Pizza Dough
While pizza dough is straightforward, here are some pointers for the best results:
- Use bread flour for chew and structure. All-purpose works too but may be less crisp.
- Mix the flour, yeast, salt, and olive oil before adding the water. This evenly distributes the dry ingredients.
- Add warm water (100-110F) to activate the yeast faster. Lukewarm or room temperature water is fine too.
- Mix just until the dough comes together into a shaggy ball, then knead on a floured surface. Avoid overmixing.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and not sticky. Add flour sparingly if needed.
- Coat dough ball in olive oil to prevent drying out. Rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size.
Creative Serving Suggestions
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to topping and serving homemade pizza dough. Here are more fun ideas:
- Make breakfast pizzas with scrambled eggs, bacon, spinach and melty cheese for a delicious morning treat.
- For an appetizer, make bite-sized pizza bites on small baguette slices or mini pitas.
- Stuff pizza toppings into a pita pocket for an easy on-the-go meal.
- Use zucchini, eggplant or squash slices as veggie pizza “crusts” for a low-carb option.
- Create a build-your-own taco pizza with seasoned ground beef, beans, salsa and taco toppings.
- For dessert, make mini sweet pizzas with Nutella, marshmallows, chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
- Try a white pizza with ricotta, grilled chicken, spinach and garlic.
- Make a Hawaiian pizza with ham, pineapple and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
- Grill pizza in a cast iron skillet over an open fire for camping meals.
- Use flatbread, naan or pita as the crust for quick weeknight pizzas.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to topping and serving homemade pizza dough! Use your imagination and favorite ingredients to create personalized pizzas for family and friends.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common pizza dough questions:
How long does the dough last in the fridge?
About 5 days well wrapped. The flavor improves over 2-3 days.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Portion into balls, wrap tightly, and use within 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before using.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can mix and knead the dough by hand but it takes more elbow grease.
Is bread flour necessary?
All-purpose works but bread flour gives you more chew and structure. The higher protein content helps create that pizza parlor texture.
Friends, there’s just something so satisfying about making your own pizza dough. I love the feeling of the dough coming together in my hands as I knead it. The yeasty aroma as it rises fills the kitchen. And nothing beats rolling out a ball of your homemade dough and topping it just how your family likes it.
My kids have so much fun getting their hands messy helping shape and top their personal pizzas. My husband is in charge of grilling them to perfection in the summer. And I love that we can customize them every time.
While store-bought dough is convenient, the flavor and texture can’t compare to homemade. So give it a try on your next pizza night! The extra effort pays off in the end. Just be warned – once you start making your own dough, you may never go back to the store-bought stuff again.
Yours crustily, Darian