It’s national pizza party day! Yes, that’s really a thing. I’m so excited about today because my kids and I already love our weekly pizza party tradition. Now we have even more reasons to celebrate. If you want to get in on the action, you need to try this easy pizza dough recipe by hand recipe. It is so very easy that you can pull it off any night of the week with very little prep or proofing.
If you haven’t made homemade pizza before, I highly encourage you to try it. It’s actually much easier than you might imagine. Plus, it can be quite a bit healthier than something you’d buy at a fast-food pizza place or a frozen pizza from the supermarket. My favorite homemade pizza is this Popeye pizza. It is actually based on my favorite NYC pizza place. Although I haven’t been there in more than a decade now, it’s a pizza place that holds a fond memory for me not only for their delicious Popeye pizza but also for the memories with my college friends. Unfortunately, its now closed, but at least I have the Popeye pizza recipe to remember them by.
If you do want to try a pizza dough recipe by hand, I’d suggest the one below. However, if you don’t want to try homemade dough, you could also opt for store-bought dough. Most grocery stores have it in their refrigerator or freezer section. Trader Joe’s also has a great pizza dough if you have one near you. Another option to consider is actually contacting some of your favorite local pizza places. Some mom-and-pop shops will actually sell their fresh dough. You could also check Italian grocers near you, as they often have dough as well.
Whatever you decide, I hope you find a way to have a pizza party with your family tonight. If you are looking for a pizza dough recipe by hand, check out one of my favorite easy homemade pizza dough recipes below.
5-Minute Pizza Dough Recipe by Hand
Ingredients
- 1 .25 ounce active dry yeast
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a medium bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour, salt, and oil. Beat until smooth. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll into a round. Transfer crust to a lightly greased pizza pan or baker's peel dusted with cornmeal.
- Spread with desired toppings and bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let baked pizza cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- The dough will keep in the refrigerator for a few days - but is best when baked after preparing.
Best Pizza Dough By Hand
Ingredients:
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon white sugar
2 ½ cups bread flour
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a medium bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
Stir in flour, salt, and oil. Beat until smooth. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll into a round. Transfer crust to a lightly greased pizza pan or baker’s peel dusted with cornmeal. Spread with desired toppings and bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let baked pizza cool for 5 minutes before serving.
The dough will keep in the refrigerator for a few days – but is best when baked after preparing.