Why This Dough Is a Must-Try:

1. Fluffy Perfection: The dough’s rise and texture make it soft yet sturdy, giving you a light, airy pizza crust every time.
2. Freezer-Friendly: Make extra dough, freeze it, and have homemade pizza ready whenever you like.
3. Easy Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this dough with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/3 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Cornmeal (for shaping the dough)

​How to Make this Fluffy Pizza Dough Recipe

In a bowl, stir together 1 1/3 cups of warm water (110°F), 2 teaspoons of yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the yeast to bloom.

You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes foamy on top, indicating the yeast is active.

Add the rest of the ingredients of 3 cups of bread flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil.

Stir together until the dough turns into a shaggy dough.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading by hand for 5-10 minutes. Folding the dough while kneading works best to bring it together into a smooth, elastic ball. If you still have a sticky dough, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed.

Transfer the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap.

Let dough rise in a warm place for 90 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air bubbles.

At this point, you can either use the dough immediately or place it in a freezer bag for later use. If freezing, be sure to thaw frozen pizza dough out before baking.

When ready to bake, divide the dough into two portions for two pizzas. Sprinkle some cornmeal or flour on your work surface and stretch each dough ball into your desired pizza crust shape with rolling pin or hands.Cornmeal not only prevents the dough from sticking but also adds a nice texture to the bottom of your crust. If you don’t have cornmeal, use a lightly floured work surface instead. 

Add Toppings and Bake

• Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place your shaped dough on a parchment paper lined pizza pan or baking stone. Add your favorite pizza sauce, a generous layer of cheese, and any toppings you like.

• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.

Tips for Success

• Warm Water for Yeast: Make sure the water is at 110°F to properly activate the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t rise properly.
• Freezer-Friendly: This dough freezes well! Make extra and store it in a freezer bag so you can enjoy homemade pizza any time.
• Use Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, giving the dough its signature fluffiness and structure.
• Yum up the Crust: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese and brush on crust of pizza after it comes out of the oven.
• Double it: I double, sometimes triple this recipe every time I make it. That way future me has pizza dough ready to go at a moments notice.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this fluffy pizza dough recipe with a classic tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil for a traditional Margherita pizza. Or, go bold with a buffalo chicken pizza, veggie-loaded pie, or even a dessert pizza with Nutella and berries. For a simple cheese pizza, just use shredded mozzarella and cheddar or provolone. Store any leftover pizza in airtight container.