Busy Days Pizza Dough Recipe
Introduction
This Busy Days Pizza Dough Recipe is perfect for when you want homemade pizza without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and yields a soft, delicious crust ready for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Step 2: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Step 5: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape.
- Step 6: Use the dough immediately for your favorite pizza toppings and bake accordingly or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for later use.
Tips & Variations
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
- Adding a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil to the dough can infuse extra aroma and taste.
Storage
Store unused dough in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before shaping. Baked pizza slices keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheat nicely in an oven or skillet to maintain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Skip the activation step and mix the instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients, then add warm water.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Ensure using fresh yeast and water around 110°F for best results.
Print
Busy Days Pizza Dough Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza dough (approx. 10–12 inches pizza base) 1x
Description
This Busy Days Pizza Dough recipe provides a quick and easy way to prepare fresh pizza dough with minimal ingredients and effort. Perfect for last-minute pizza nights, the dough comes together with active dry yeast, warm water, flour, salt, and olive oil, requiring just over 50 minutes including rising time. The result is a smooth, elastic dough ready to be topped and baked to your liking, or refrigerated for convenience.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Knead dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten structure needed for a good pizza base.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes, or until it doubles in size, giving the dough a light and airy texture.
- Shape dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release trapped air. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape to prepare for toppings.
- Use or store: Use the dough immediately to add your favorite pizza toppings and bake accordingly, or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for convenience and later use.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast; around 110°F is ideal.
- For a crispier crust, roll the dough thinner and prebake slightly before adding toppings.
- Refrigerated dough should be brought to room temperature before shaping.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- If you want a quicker rise, place the dough in a slightly warmed (not hot) oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread/Dough
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pizza dough, easy pizza recipe, quick pizza dough, homemade pizza base, yeast dough
