Make delicious, authentic pizza dough at home with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe takes about 2 hours including rising time, but most of that is hands-off. Perfect for beginners who want to master the foundation of great homemade pizza!
In a small bowl, combine the warm water with sugar and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until evenly combined. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture—this is where you'll pour the wet ingredients.
Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the well you created in the flour. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, start mixing from the center outward, gradually incorporating the flour until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes by pushing the dough away with the heel of your hand, folding it back, turning it, and repeating. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add small amounts of flour if needed.
Lightly coat the inside of a clean large bowl with olive oil. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to remove later.
Place the kneaded dough in the oiled bowl and turn it once so the top is lightly coated with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has doubled, gently press your fist into the center to deflate it. This releases the built-up gases and redistributes the yeast for a better texture.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use a knife or bench scraper to divide it into 2 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.
Let the dough balls rest on the counter for 15-20 minutes, covered with a kitchen towel. This relaxes the gluten and makes the dough much easier to stretch and shape.
Your dough is now ready to stretch and top! On a floured surface, gently press and stretch each ball into a 12-14 inch circle. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.