How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough That’s Chewy & Crispy

Let’s be honest — there’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a slice of pizza that hits the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The secret? It all starts with the dough.

Whether you’re planning a cozy pizza night or just love the smell of freshly baked bread, this homemade pizza dough recipe will have you ditching store-bought crusts for good. And don’t worry — no professional kitchen required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this pizza dough magic happen.

Basic Dough Ingredients:

3 ¾ cups (450g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for coating the bowl)

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Let’s get that yeast bubbling.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. That’s how you know the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam, your water may have been too hot or the yeast is expired. Try again with new yeast or cooler water.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Time to bring it all together!

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise (Let It Rest)

This is when the dough starts developing its chewy texture.

Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside.
Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Quick Tip: If your kitchen is cold, turn your oven on for just a minute to warm it up slightly (then turn it off), and place the bowl inside to rise.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

After the rise, the dough is ready to become pizza!

Punch the dough down gently to release air.
Divide it into 2 equal balls (perfect for two 12-inch pizzas).
Let the dough rest for another 10–15 minutes before rolling — this helps it stretch more easily.
Use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your pan or stone.

Step 5: Bake It Right

The secret to crispy-chewy crust? High heat and preheating your pan or pizza stone.

Preheat your oven to 475–500°F (as hot as it goes).
If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Add your favorite toppings to the dough.
Slide the pizza onto the hot surface and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Extra Tips for Pizza Dough Perfection

Use bread flour for more chewiness.
Cold ferment the dough: Let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight for deeper flavor.
Don’t over-top your pizza — a thin layer of sauce and toppings helps the crust stay crispy.

Emily Rae Harper