How to Make Homemade Pizza Crust from Scratch

Making your own pizza crust from scratch may sound intimidating, but it's actually quite simple once you know the basic ingredients and techniques. In this post, we'll walk through how to make homemade pizza dough yourself without any store-bought mixes or frozen crusts. With just a few humble ingredients and a little time, you'll be enjoying homemade pizzas that are fancier than any delivery could ever be.

Ingredients for Pizza Crust

The ingredients needed to make pizza crust are very minimal. You'll need:

• 3 cups of all-purpose or bread flour
• 2 tablespoons pink salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Methods for Making Pizza Crust

Now that you have the ingredients gathered, here are the simple steps to make homemade pizza crust:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and oregano (if using). Stir to combine.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the yeast and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the olive oil. Stir together until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 450°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
7. Punch down dough and divide into desired portions. Stretch or roll each portion into thin 12-inch crusts.
8. Top crusts as desired and slide directly onto preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Tips for Making Great Pizza Crust

Here are a few extra tips for ensuring your homemade pizza crust turns out perfect:

• Use bread flour or high-protein all-purpose flour for a chewier crust.
• Let the dough rise fully in a warm, draft-free spot for maximum flavor.
• Topple the dough with desired toppings before baking for an easier assembly.
• Watch crusts closely during final bake to avoid burning.
• Enjoy your homemade pizza fresh or let cool completely before packaging leftovers.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making pizza crust:

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast. Use the same amount but omit the 5 minute proofing step before adding to dry ingredients.

What if I don't have a pizza stone?

You can still bake great pizza on a preheated baking sheet. The crust may not get as crispy on the bottom but will still taste delicious.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. After the initial rise, shape into balls and refrigerate until ready to use. Bring to room temperature before stretching and topping.

How do I store leftover pizza?

Allow pizza to cool completely before slicing or packaging leftovers. Store in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I hope this guide helped provide you with everything you need to know to make your own homemade pizza crust from scratch. Let me know if you have any other questions!