Homemade Pizza Dough

This easy homemade pizza dough creates a delicious, chewy crust with just the right amount of crisp. Made from simple pantry staples, it’s the perfect foundation for any kind of pizza, whether you’re going classic Margherita or something more playful like a bear-shaped mini pizza. With a short list of ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Just six basic ingredients for the dough.
• Customizable: Works as a base for countless toppings and pizza styles.
• Kid-friendly: Perfect for making fun shapes or personalized pizzas.
• Perfect texture: Crisp outside, tender and chewy inside.
• Versatile use: Great for traditional round pizzas or creative themed shapes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• active dry yeast
• sugar
• warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• all-purpose flour
• olive oil
• salt

Optional Toppings:

• pizza sauce
• fresh mozzarella slices
• cherry tomatoes, halved
• pepperoni slices
• fresh basil leaves
• edible black sesame seeds or nori (for bear face details)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into portions. Shape one piece into a circle for the bear’s face, and form two smaller balls for ears. Attach ears to the face on a parchment-lined baking tray.
7. Spread pizza sauce over the base, then top with mozzarella, tomatoes, pepperoni, and basil as desired.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Once cooled slightly, decorate with sesame seeds or nori to create facial features.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–3 mini bear pizzas
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 230 kcal per mini pizza

Variations

• Classic pizza: Skip the shaping and roll out a large traditional round pizza crust.
• Whole wheat dough: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Stuffed crust: Add mozzarella sticks around the edge before folding in the crust.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend formulated for yeast baking.
• Sweet pizza: Top with Nutella and sliced fruit after baking for a dessert version.

Storage/Reheating

Wrap any leftover cooked pizza in foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. To freeze dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of instant yeast. You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure the water wasn’t too hot or too cold, and that your yeast is still active. Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area.

Can I refrigerate the dough?

Yes, after the first rise, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How thin should I roll the dough?

For a classic crust, roll to about 1/4 inch thick. For a thinner, crispier crust, roll slightly thinner.

Is it necessary to use olive oil?

While olive oil adds flavor, you can substitute with another neutral oil if needed.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients proportionally and divide the dough as desired.

Can I make this dough without kneading?

You can try a no-knead version by mixing and allowing it to rise longer, but the traditional kneading method ensures better texture.

What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works well for this recipe. For a chewier texture, you can use bread flour.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Let it sit out 30 minutes before using.

How do I make the bear face details?

After baking and slightly cooling, use edible black sesame seeds or small pieces of nori to create eyes, nose, and mouth.

Conclusion

This homemade pizza dough recipe is a kitchen staple that opens the door to endless pizza possibilities. Whether you’re crafting mini bear pizzas for kids or baking a classic pie for dinner, the dough delivers a perfect base every time. With simple ingredients and flexible options, it’s a must-try for pizza lovers of all ages.

Homemade Pizza Dough

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Make adorable and delicious mini bear face pizzas with this easy homemade pizza dough recipe! Perfect for kids and fun-themed meals, this chewy and golden crust pairs beautifully with classic toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and fresh basil. A creative twist on pizza night! #pizzadough #homemadepizza #funfoodforkids #bearfacepizza #pizzanight #cutepizza

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 mini bear pizzas
• Category: Main Dish / Kids’ Recipes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings:

 

• Pizza sauce

• Fresh mozzarella slices

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Pepperoni slices

• Fresh basil leaves

• Edible black sesame seeds or nori (for bear face details)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.

5. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).

6. Punch down the dough and divide into portions. For bear-shaped pizzas: shape one larger piece into a circle for the face, and two small balls for the ears. Assemble on a parchment-lined baking tray.

7. Add sauce, cheese, and desired toppings.

8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Once slightly cooled, add bear face details using sesame seeds or nori.

Notes

• You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise.

• Add whole wheat flour or herbs for extra flavor in the dough.

• Customize toppings to suit different tastes or themes.

Nutrition

• Calories: 230 kcal per mini pizza