Name: Quick Pizza Dough Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 teaspoon sugar; ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)

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If your love for pizza only rivals your lack of patience for long dough rises, this Quick Pizza Dough recipe will become your new go-to. It brings the irresistible aroma and chewy bite of classic pizzeria pies straight to your kitchen table in under an hour—no fancy equipment or endless waiting required. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be shaping, topping, and baking your way to homemade pizza bliss faster than you ever thought possible. Trust me, once you master this simple base, your pizza nights will never be the same!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making beautiful Quick Pizza Dough starts with just six humble ingredients, each playing a critical role in flavor, texture, and rise. The magic comes from letting these basics work together, delivering a beautifully tender, golden crust that tastes anything but ordinary.

Active Dry Yeast: This is what gives your dough lift and lovely little air bubbles—look for it to become feathery and foamy as it proofs.
Sugar: Just a teaspoon helps wake up the yeast and speeds up that essential rise.
Warm Water (about 110°F): The right temperature is key to activating the yeast—lukewarm, not hot, does the trick.
All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of your pizza; all-purpose hits the perfect balance between chew and crispness.
Salt: A teaspoon of salt won’t just season the dough, it brings out the character in the crust.
Olive Oil (plus more for greasing): Adds tender richness and that unmistakable Italian aroma. Don’t skip lightly greasing your bowl!

How to Make Quick Pizza Dough

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine your warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and then just step back and let the yeast do its thing for 5–10 minutes. When you see a frothy, creamy layer on top, you know your Quick Pizza Dough is set up for delicious success. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be past its prime—try again with a new packet for best results.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the yeast wakes up, whisk together your all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Combining them ahead of time ensures an even flavor distribution in every bite, setting a solid foundation for your Quick Pizza Dough.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Pour the proofed yeast mixture and olive oil into your flour bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to stir until a rough, shaggy dough ball forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little scrappy—it’ll come together smoothly in the next step!

Step 4: Knead for Texture

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic ball—if it sticks to your hands, dust with a tiny bit more flour. This short knead strengthens the dough, ensuring your Quick Pizza Dough bakes up with the signature chewy bite every great pizza has.

Step 5: Rise and Rest

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover it with a cozy towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for 20 to 30 minutes. Even this brief nap allows the dough to puff and develop flavor, which is key for a beautiful rise in the oven.

Step 6: Shape and Top

After its quick rise, punch down your dough to release excess air and gently roll it out to your desired thickness—whether you love a classic 12-inch pie or prefer two thin and crispy personal pizzas. Top with your favorite sauce and ingredients, then bake at a roaring 475°F for 10 to 15 minutes. For an extra-crisp base, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before piling on sauce and toppings.

How to Serve Quick Pizza Dough

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle your hot-from-the-oven pie with fresh basil, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. These simple finishing touches make your Quick Pizza Dough taste—and look—like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.

Side Dishes

Pair your freshly baked pizza with a crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even classic garlic knots for the ultimate comfort meal. These sides keep things light and let your Quick Pizza Dough take star billing on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner pizzaiolo and cut your pizza into rustic wedges, slim squares, or even playful strips for dipping into sauce. This dough is versatile enough for mini pizzas at a party, or as a blank canvas for family-style sharing boards where everyone builds their own slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any slices left (which is rare in my house!), stack them between parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Quick Pizza Dough holds up beautifully, staying moist and tender even after chilling.

Freezing

This dough is a miracle for planning ahead! After it rises, simply wrap it tightly in a double layer of plastic and stash it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and it will be ready whenever a pizza craving strikes.

Reheating

Pop leftover pizza on a baking sheet and reheat in a hot oven (about 400°F) for five minutes to revive that crisp, just-baked texture. For individual slices, a hot skillet works wonders for restoring the signature crunch to your Quick Pizza Dough base.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! You can substitute equal amounts of instant yeast. Just skip the proofing step and add it directly to the flour and salt, as instant yeast is designed to activate right in the dough.

Is it possible to make Quick Pizza Dough gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind the texture will be a bit different, but you’ll still get a tasty, fast pizza crust with a little extra chew.

Can I let the dough rise longer for more flavor?

Definitely! While this Quick Pizza Dough works with a short rise, letting it rest for up to two hours (or overnight in the fridge) will deepen the flavor and improve the texture. Just reduce the yeast slightly if rising longer.

What toppings work best with Quick Pizza Dough?

Classic choices like tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and fresh basil shine on this dough, but it’s sturdy enough for creative combos—try roasted veggies, pesto, or even BBQ chicken for a fun twist.

How do I prevent my pizza from sticking to the pan?

Brush your baking sheet or pizza stone with olive oil, and if you’re feeling fancy, dust it with a little cornmeal before adding the dough. Not only will your pizza release easily, but you’ll get a bonus crunchy bite!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever doubted that a truly delicious pizza could come together in less than an hour, this Quick Pizza Dough will happily prove you wrong. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor—perfect for spontaneous weeknights or impressive homemade pizza parties. Roll up your sleeves, grab those pantry staples, and enjoy making (and devouring) this beloved recipe!

Quick Pizza Dough Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 1 large pizza 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a quick pizza dough from scratch with this easy recipe. This homemade pizza crust is simple to prepare and yields a deliciously crispy base for your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)

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Instructions

Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to form a dough.
Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead dough for 3–5 minutes until smooth.
Rest and Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rest for 20–30 minutes.
Roll Out and Bake: Roll dough, add toppings, and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 10–15 minutes.