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Homemade Dough Pizza Recipe Easy Cozy Family Night Dinner Ideas

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This homemade dough pizza recipe is perfect for cozy family nights, featuring a chewy, crisp crust made from simple ingredients and customizable toppings. It turns dinner into a fun, interactive celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 440g) – King Arthur Flour recommended
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (355ml) at around 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk mozzarella preferred)
  • Your choice of toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, fresh basil, etc.
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add olive oil, salt, and about 3 cups (375g) of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour (about ½ cup or 60g), kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (8–10 minutes by hand or 6–7 minutes with a mixer).
  4. Lightly oil a mixing bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough, divide into two equal portions for two medium pizzas or keep whole for one large pizza. Shape each into a ball and let rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Stretch or roll out the dough to about 12 inches in diameter on a floured surface.
  7. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and preheat pizza stone or baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Transfer dough to parchment paper, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, sprinkle mozzarella, and add desired toppings.
  9. Bake pizza on the hot stone or baking sheet for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil or Parmesan if desired, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

[‘Use room temperature ingredients for better yeast activation.’, ‘Slow rise in the fridge overnight for more flavor and chewier texture.’, ‘Preheat oven and baking surface thoroughly for a crispy crust.’, ‘Avoid overloading toppings to prevent soggy crust.’, ‘Let dough rest after shaping to relax gluten.’, ‘If dough sticks, use minimal flour on hands and surface.’, ‘Reheat leftovers in a skillet or oven for best texture.’, ‘Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before use.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade pizza dough, easy pizza recipe, family dinner, pizza night, homemade crust, pizza toppings, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/homemade-dough-pizza-recipe-easy-cozy-family-night-dinner-ideas/