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Easy One-Bowl Pizza Dough

Recipe by Jenn Giam Smith

  • Total Time~45 min (not counting baking)
  • Yield1 pizza (12") 1x

A simple, no-fuss pizza dough that comes together in one bowl with pantry staples and a 30-minute rest. Works for both pizzeria-style and American-style pizza — no stand mixer, no overnight rise, no special equipment required.

 

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A ball of homemade pizza dough after rising in a gray bowl, covered with a colorful kitchen towel, with a package of fresh mozzarella nearby.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2-2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, bread flour, or pizza flour (Caputo "00"), divided
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) Instant Dry Yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp cane sugar
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for coating bowl and brushing
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • For pizzeria-style: semolina flour for dusting paddle

Instructions

  1. Mix the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour with the instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the olive oil and warm water and mix with a sturdy spatula until combined. Continue adding flour a little at a time, mixing as you go, until the dough forms a rough ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  2. Knead. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, elastic, and springy — about 5 to 7 minutes. It should bounce back when you poke it and not stick to your hands. Add flour a tablespoon at a time if needed.
  3. Rise. Coat the dough lightly in olive oil, return it to the bowl, and cover with a warm towel. Let rest for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
  4. Shape. Gently punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly (3–5 times) until smooth, then shape for your pizza style.

For Pizzeria-Style:

  1. Stretch dough by hand into a 12-inch circle.
  2. Dust pizza paddle generously with semolina flour and lay dough out on paddle.
  3. Top with sauce and toppings and cook on a preheated pizza stone, grill, or pizza oven.

For American-Style:

  1. Use hands or rolling pin to work dough into a 12-inch circle.
  2. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza pan and pinch or fold edges to form a crust.
  3. Drizzle about 1 Tbsp olive oil over the top and brush the entire surface, including the crust.
  4. Use a fork to poke holes all over the center of the dough to prevent bubbling.
  5. Add desired toppings and bake at 425°F (215°C) for 13–15 minutes until golden brown. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Flour choice: All-purpose gives a soft, flexible crust. Bread flour gives a chewier, more structured result with more pull. Pizza flour (Caputo “00”) is finely milled and produces the most extensible, delicate dough — closest to a true pizzeria crust. All three work in this recipe.
  • Yeast: Use instant dry yeast (also labeled rapid-rise or quick-rise) — it goes straight in without proofing. Active dry yeast requires proofing in warm water first and may need a longer rise.
  • Water temperature: Aim for 105–110°F — warm to the touch but not hot. Too hot kills the yeast.
  • Semolina Flour: Essential for pizzeria-style to prevent sticking on the paddle. Cornmeal works as a substitute.
  • Freezing: After the rise, divide into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or 2 hours at room temperature before using.
  • Sauce: I have two sauce recipes coming soon!