Foolproof Homemade Pizza Dough

“That Won’t Judge You for Eating the Whole Pie”

Ahhh, pizza dough… la base di tutto! You want to make it from scratch? Bravo! You’ve already made the best decision of your life (besides choosing olive oil over margarine—mamma mia, what were you thinking?).

This dough is simple, honest, and beautiful—like a Nonna’s Sunday pasta. You don’t need fancy tools or a wood-fired oven (although if you have one, invite me over). All you need is a little love, patience, and your two hands.

Homemade Pizza Dough

This dough is simple, honest, and beautiful!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Rise Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water like a nice Italian spa for your yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp honey just a touch of sweetness, like a wink from Sophia Loren
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt always good quality—respect the dough
• 2 tsp olive oil extra virgin, of course—accept no imitations

Method

 

Say With an Italian Accent (Adds more fun to the process)

Wake Up the Yeast!

1. In a big bowl, mix lukewarm water, instant yeast, and honey.
2. Stir and wait 5 minutes.
3. If the yeast starts to dance and bubble like it’s in Napoli on a Friday night, you’re golden.

Make the Dough:

1. Add flour and salt, mix with a spoon—or better, your hands!
2. Add olive oil and knead like you're massaging life into it.
3. 6–8 minutes by hand, or use a stand mixer if you're feeling fancy.

Let It Rise, Baby:

1. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
2. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for 60 minutes, or until it doubles.
3. If it doesn't rise, it’s not the dough—it’s your room temperature.
4. Or maybe you forgot the yeast. Either way, forgive yourself. Try again.

Shape the Love:

1. Once it’s puffed up and proud, punch it down gently.
2. Roll it out to your desired thickness. You like it thin and crispy? Bellissimo. Thick and chewy? Va bene!

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbohydrates	46 g
Sugars	2 g
Fat	4 g
Saturated Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sodium	300 mg

 

Disclaimer: I am a chef, not a scientist. These are estimates. If you’re counting calories—why are you making pizza?

🍷 A Few Final Words (With Love)

Listen to me. Life is too short for bad crust. You don’t need to be born in Sicily or train under a master pizzaiolo. You just need this recipe, a hot oven, and passion.

So pour yourself a glass of red, turn on some Andrea Bocelli, and make pizza like you mean it. The dough is your canvas. You are the artist. And tonight, dinner is your masterpiece.

Mangia bene, ride spesso, ama molto.
(Eat well, laugh often, love much.)