Pizza Dough(For One 11 X 14 Rectangle)
A versatile homemade pizza dough with a crisp crust, perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings. Suitable for casual dinners or weekend treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast and sugar into very warm water in a large bowl.
- Stir until well blended and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour and salt until a stiff dough is formed.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured pastry cloth or board.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes, using only enough flour to keep the dough from sticking.
- Place in a large greased bowl; cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Punch down the dough.
- Grease hands and a cookie sheet lightly.
- Place dough on the pan and stretch with hands to form a crust.
- Leave the edge slightly thicker.
- Apply toppings and bake at 400°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter crust, let the dough rise longer and use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for added chewiness. You can also substitute the sugar with honey for a subtle sweetness. If you want to experiment, add dried herbs like oregano or basil into the flour for additional flavor. Be sure to use very warm water, around 110°F, to activate the yeast effectively.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious pizza with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Broccoli Macaroni for a comforting dinner. Consider offering a variety of toppings like fresh basil, olives, or Giardiniera to cater to different tastes. Sliced up, it's perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crispy. Alternatively, use an air fryer for quick reheating without losing crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Dough(For One 11 X 14 Rectangle) contains roughly 59 calories, with 7g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and potassium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1499mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the pizza dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza dough after the first rise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and let it rise again before shaping.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure to check the expiration date of your yeast. Also, the water temperature should be warm but not too hot, ideally around 110°F. If the environment is too cold, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven to encourage rising.
How can I make this pizza vegan?
To make a vegan pizza, simply omit any cheese and use plant-based toppings such as vegetables, olives, and vegan cheese alternatives. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Browse more vegan recipes for additional inspiration on toppings and sauces.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).