Simple Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

If you dream of sinking your teeth into crisp, chewy, golden pizza straight from your own oven, this Simple, 4-Ingredient Homemade Pizza Dough is the key to making that dream come true! No fancy equipment or fussy steps—just pure pizza joy with just a handful of kitchen staples, all ready to transform your pizza night forever.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just four ingredients—and a pinch of confidence—are all you need for pizza perfection! Each one contributes something essential: gorgeous chewy structure, flavor, or that signature golden crust. Let’s break down exactly what makes this Simple, 4-Ingredient Homemade Pizza Dough shine in every bite.

• Bread flour or all-purpose flour: Bread flour gives you amazing chew thanks to its higher protein, but all-purpose flour works well too. If you live in a humid climate, bread flour is especially handy for absorbing just the right amount of water.
• Kosher salt: Salt does more than add flavor—it helps strengthen the dough and controls the yeast. Diamond Crystal is my go-to, but use your favorite.
• Instant yeast: SAF Instant Yeast is ultra-reliable and works straight into the dough without proofing, making this recipe nearly effortless. If using active dry yeast, simply dissolve it in lukewarm water until foamy for best results.
• Lukewarm water: The heart of your dough! Hydration is key for beautiful bubbles and a soft, elastic crumb. Tailor the amount slightly depending on your type of flour and kitchen climate.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered Simple, 4-Ingredient Homemade Pizza Dough, you’ll love experimenting with it! This dough can handle last-minute swaps, nutritional tweaks, or whatever toppings your heart desires—so don’t be afraid to make it your own tradition.

• Switch up the flour: Try using Tipo 00 for an ultra-tender, Neapolitan-style crust or swap in half whole wheat flour for a hearty, rustic edge.
• Change the hydration: Start with less water if you want an easier-to-handle dough, or boost hydration for bigger bubbles and a softer crumb (just add water slowly and feel your way!).
• Sourdough version: Replace some or all of the yeast with your favorite mature sourdough starter for complex, tangy flavor—just extend your rise time accordingly.
• Add-ins for the adventurous: Mix in dried herbs, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or even a little grated Parmesan right into the dough for a built-in flavor twist.

How to Make Simple, 4-Ingredient Homemade Pizza Dough

Step 1: Mix and Hydrate the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in your lukewarm water and mix with a spatula (or your hands!) until all the flour is absorbed—it’ll look sticky and a little shaggy at this point. Drizzle a drop or two of oil over the dough, just enough to help it from sticking, and rub it around to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Set the covered dough in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is chilly, a briefly warmed (then turned off) oven is perfect! Let the dough rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until puffy and doubled in bulk. Optional but totally worth it: About 30 minutes in, try one round of stretch-and-folds—wet your hand, gently pull up the edge of the dough, and fold it over itself, turning the bowl and repeating 8-10 times. This extra step gives the dough even more strength and beautiful structure.

Step 3: Portion and Ball the Dough

Heavily flour your counter and turn the dough out. Use a bench scraper (or sharp knife) to divide the dough into four equal pieces. With floured hands, shape each piece into a ball, pinching the bottom to create tension. If you’re not using all the dough at once, pop the balls into lightly floured storage containers or bowls and refrigerate (or freeze) for later!

Step 4: Proof and Prepare for Baking

If you made your dough ahead and stored it in the fridge, pull out your pizza rounds about 60–90 minutes before baking so they can come to room temperature and proof up a bit more. Keep them in a covered, lightly floured vessel (like a dough tray or 9×13 pan under plastic wrap) until you’re ready to shape and bake.

Step 5: Shape, Top, and Bake

Preheat your oven to its highest setting (ideally 550°F) with a pizza stone or steel inside for at least 45 minutes. Place a round of dough onto a lightly floured sheet of parchment on your pizza peel. Using your fingertips and the backs of your hands, gently stretch your dough to a 10″–12″ circle—handle it with love for the best texture! Add your favorite toppings, then slide the pizza (parchment and all) onto the blazing-hot stone or steel. Bake until the crust is deeply golden with bubbly edges, about 5 minutes.

How to Serve Simple, 4-Ingredient Homemade Pizza Dough

Garnishes

Once your pizza emerges golden and bubbling, sprinkle on fresh basil, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or a light drizzle of olive oil for instant flair. Flaky sea salt or a touch of chili flakes can also take your Simple, 4-Ingredient Homemade Pizza Dough from delicious to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a vibrant vinaigrette brightens up pizza night beautifully. Antipasto platters, blistered shishito peppers, or even a bowl of soup (think: minestrone or tomato) turn your pizza into a full Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your pizzas into rustic wedges and serve on a big board for a casual, communal vibe. Use mini rounds for individual “make-your-own” parties, or bake rectangular “pizza al taglio” in a sheet pan for a fun, shareable slice-by-slice approach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra dough? Keep it! After portioning, any unused dough balls can rest in a lightly floured, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature and proof again before baking for the best results.

Freezing

This Simple, 4-Ingredient Homemade Pizza Dough freezes like a dream. After dividing into balls, pop each into a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let come to room temp before shaping.

Reheating

To reheat leftover baked pizza, place slices on a preheated pizza stone or directly on the oven rack at 400°F until the cheese is melty and the crust is revived—good as new! Avoid the microwave for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Simple, 4-Ingredient Homemade Pizza Dough sparks as much joy for you as it has for my own family and friends! You’ll be amazed by how something so easy can taste so authentic. Give it a try—you’ll never look at takeout pizza the same way again.

Print