Bring Italy to Your Table: Authentic 5-Ingredient Pizza Dough Recipe

The Magic of Homemade Pizza

Picture this: the warm glow of your kitchen, the aroma of freshly rising dough, and the sound of laughter as your family crafts pizzas together. This isn’t just cooking—it’s creating memories. With our 5-ingredient Italian pizza dough recipe, you can turn any winter night into a cozy celebration or add a unique twist to your holiday traditions.

The Recipe: Simple, Authentic, and Delicious

Ingredients

• Flour: 3 ½ cups (444g) Tipo “00” (for a perfectly light, stretchy dough)
• Yeast: 1 ½ tsp (4.4g) Instant Yeast
• Water: 1 ⅛ cups (266g), room temperature
• Olive Oil: 3 tbsp (44g), extra virgin
• Salt: Just a pinch

Yields: 2 (12-inch) pizzas

Prep Time: 1.5 hours

Cook Time: 3-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide to Pizza Perfection

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Add wet ingredients: Stir in water and olive oil by hand until the mixture is combined.
3. Rest and hydrate: Let the dough rest for 15 minutes so the flour absorbs moisture.
4. Knead to smoothness: Knead the dough on your countertop for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Let it rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
6. Divide and shape: Cut the dough into two equal parts, shape into balls, and let them rest for 15 minutes.
7. Stretch and top: Roll out each ball into a thin, round crust. Add a light layer of Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven (450°F for a conventional oven, 800°F for a wood-fired oven). Bake until the crust is golden and the toppings are perfectly cooked.

Tips to Avoid Common Pizza Dough Mistakes

Making pizza dough is an art, but a few simple tips can help you achieve professional-level results:

• Hydration is key: Don’t add too much water. Allow the dough to rest before kneading so the flour hydrates properly.
• Temperature matters: Use warm (not hot) water, about 110°F, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Knead with care: Keep kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when touched.
• Rest is best: Let the dough rest to relax the gluten for easy shaping and better texture.
• Don’t overload toppings: Light toppings ensure the crust stays crisp and evenly cooked.
• Preheat like a pro: Ensure your oven or pizza stone is hot before baking to achieve that crispy bottom crust.

Make It a Tradition

From family pizza nights to festive gatherings, this dough is your ticket to culinary creativity. Let each guest shape their crust, choose their toppings, and enjoy the delicious results of their handiwork. The simplicity of the recipe means more time spent making memories and less time worrying about perfection.