Homemade Pizza Dough Soft Chewy

Featured in: Quick Family Suppers

This homemade pizza dough delivers a soft and chewy texture with a flavorful depth ideal for family gatherings. Combining bread flour, yeast, olive oil, and warm water, it requires patience during rising to create the perfect elasticity. Baking on a heated stone enhances crispness, while variations with whole wheat flour add fiber and taste. Freeze leftover dough for convenient future uses.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:42:00 GMT
Golden brown homemade pizza dough, ready to be topped and baked into delicious family pizzas. Save
Golden brown homemade pizza dough, ready to be topped and baked into delicious family pizzas. | apexdish.com

A soft, chewy, and flavorful pizza dough perfect for family pizza nights. This recipe yields a versatile base for any topping combination and bakes up golden and delicious every time.

This dough recipe has been my go-to for family pizza nights, always producing a delightful crust that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 4 cups (500 g) bread flour (plus more for dusting), 2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet), 1½ tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp sugar
  • Wet Ingredients: 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water (approx 110°F/43°C), 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2:
Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Add a little extra flour if sticky.)
Step 4:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Step 5:
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6:
Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions for large pizzas (or more for smaller pizzas).
Step 7:
Shape each portion into a ball. Rest for 10–15 minutes, covered.
Step 8:
Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Step 9:
Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Top as desired and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
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| apexdish.com

This recipe has become a cherished family tradition, bringing everyone together to share delicious homemade pizza on cozy nights.

Notes

For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone Substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for extra flavor and fiber

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Wooden spoon Measuring cups and spoons Kitchen scale (optional but recommended) Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap Rolling pin Baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand check labels if concerned

Freshly kneaded homemade pizza dough, springy and ready for its first rise, perfect for pizza night. Save
Freshly kneaded homemade pizza dough, springy and ready for its first rise, perfect for pizza night. | apexdish.com
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With this pizza dough, you can enjoy fresh, homemade pizza any night of the week made just the way you like it.

Recipe FAQs

What flour is best for this dough?

Bread flour is ideal due to its higher protein content, which helps achieve a chewy texture and good gluten development.

How long should the dough rise?

Let the dough rise for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size to develop flavor and elasticity.

Can I substitute ingredients for a different flavor?

Yes, replacing up to 1 cup of bread flour with whole wheat flour adds fiber and a nuttier taste.

What's the best way to bake for a crisp crust?

Using a preheated pizza stone transfers heat evenly, producing a golden, crisp crust.

How can leftover dough be stored?

After the first rise, freeze dough portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Homemade Pizza Dough Soft Chewy

Soft, chewy dough yielding golden crusts ideal for various pizza toppings and family meals.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Charlotte Rivera


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Makes 6 Serving Size

Diet Info Vegan-friendly, No Dairy

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
02 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
04 1 teaspoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

01 1½ cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
02 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make

Step 01

Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed if sticky.

Step 04

First Rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 05

Divide and Rest: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and let rest covered for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 06

Shape and Bake: Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to desired thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Add toppings as preferred and bake in a preheated 475°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.

What You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen scale (optional)
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergy Notice

Please review ingredients for allergens and talk to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand; verify labels if concerned.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

These details are for general reference and aren't a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calorie count: 260
  • Fat content: 3.5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 50 grams
  • Proteins: 7 grams