Bread Flour Verses All-Purpose Flour for Making Pizza Dough

When making pizza dough, bread flour is generally considered better than all-purpose flour because it has a higher protein content, which results in more gluten development. This leads to a stretchier, chewier crust with better rise and structure, ideal for most pizza styles, especially thick crusts. All-purpose flour can work for thinner crusts but may not hold up as well when stretching due to less gluten formation.

• Gluten content: Bread flour has significantly more gluten than all-purpose flour. Crust texture: Bread flour produces a chewier, more substantial crust, while all-purpose flour results in a slightly crispier, less chewy crust. Stretching ability: Bread flour dough is easier to stretch without tearing due to its high gluten content

WHEN TO USE BREAD FLOUR

• For most pizza styles, especially thick crust pizzas like a deep dish or Detroit-style. 
• When you want a chewy, substantial crust

WHEN TO USE ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

• For thin-crust pizzas, you prefer a slightly crispier crust. 
• If you don’t have access to bread flour and want a decent pizza crust

10 MINUTE HOMEMADE PIZZA SAUCE RECIPE

Having a homemade pizza sauce on hand is a game-changer for quick and delicious meals. Made with simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and red wine vinegar, it delivers rich, authentic flavor without the preservatives found in store-bought versions. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita, a hearty meat-lover’s pizza, or even using it as a dip for breadsticks, having a jar of homemade sauce in the fridge or freezer means you’re always ready for an easy, satisfying meal. Plus, you can customize it to your taste—spicier, sweeter, or loaded with extra garlic—making every pizza night truly your own. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE→10 MINUTE HOMEMADE PIZZA SAUCE

How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough

EASY HOMEMADE PIZZA DOUGH RECIPE INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card

• 1½ cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 package active dry yeast
• olive oil
• 4 to 4½ cups, preferably bread flour (I like using King Arthurs); you can also use all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt

HOMEMADE PIZZA DOUGH INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl, pour the warm water and honey and stir until the honey dissolves.
2. Sprinkle yeast over the water mixture; let stand for a few minutes until it is slightly foamy. Stir to dissolve yeast.
3. Brush a large bowl with olive oil.
4. Combine 4 cups of flour and salt in a food processor. Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture.
5. With the food processor running, slowly add the yeast and oil mixture through the feed tube.
6. Process until the dough forms a ball and all the flour is incorporated. Transfer to a floured surface.
7. Knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes or until it is no longer sticky, adding the remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed. Then, place the dough in the prepared bowl and turn it to coat it.
8. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Punch down the dough.
9. Divide the dough into two portions.

How to Freeze and Thaw Pizza Dough

Having homemade pizza dough in the freezer is a game-changer for quick and delicious meals. It eliminates the hassle of making dough from scratch every time, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade pizza with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita, a loaded veggie delight, or a custom creation, having dough ready to go means you can whip up a pizza in no time. It also provides flexibility for impromptu dinners, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Plus, homemade dough offers better flavor and texture than store-bought options, ensuring a tastier, more satisfying pizza experience.

• Follow the above instructions to make pizza dough through #9.
• Form the dough into balls and place them in individual bags ( I prefer using cheap bread bags). Place the two bags in freezer-safe bags, date them, and store them in the freezer until ready to use.
• When ready to use the pizza dough, place it in the refrigerator to thaw (preferably the night before). Once thawed, let it sit at room temperature for a short time or until it reaches a workable consistency.
• Using a microwave IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Thawing pizza dough in the microwave can be risky as it can easily overheat parts of the dough, impacting its texture.

How to Make Pizza with Homemade Pizza Crust

There’s nothing quite like making pizza with homemade dough—it’s a game-changer! The moment you stretch and shape the soft, airy dough, you can already feel the difference. As it bakes, the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of fresh bread, mingling with bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce. The crust comes out perfectly golden and slightly crispy on the outside yet delightfully chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of char if cooked on a stone or in a hot oven. Every bite is packed with flavor, from the subtle tang of the fermented dough to the freshness of your favorite toppings. Once you experience the joy of homemade pizza dough, there’s no turning back—store-bought just won’t compare!

1. Once the dough has been divided into two portions, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.
2. Place a 15×10-inch baking sheet, pizza pan, or preferably a pizza stone on the lowest rack of the oven bottom side up. Preheat oven to 475 degrees.
3. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom side of the baking sheet. Roll pizza dough into a 14×8-inch rectangle.
4. Spread 1/2 cup sauce over dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle on desired toppings.
5. Be very careful as you take the HOT pan out of the oven.
6. Slide the pizza WITH the parchment paper onto the hot pan.
7. Bake for 10 minutes. Add slices of fresh mozzarella and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the pizza is brown and the cheese is melted.

Pizza Pan Verses Pizza Stone

Baking on a pizza pan versus a pizza stone can result in noticeably different textures and flavors. A pizza pan, typically made of metal, conducts heat quickly and can produce a softer crust, especially if it has a perforated design that allows some airflow. This method is ideal for those who prefer a more bread-like texture or need a quicker bake. On the other hand, a pizza stone, usually made of ceramic or cordierite, absorbs and evenly distributes heat, mimicking the effect of a brick oven. This results in a crispier, more evenly cooked crust with a slightly charred flavor. The stone requires preheating, which adds extra preparation time, but the payoff is a more authentic pizzeria-style pizza. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and how much time one is willing to invest in achieving the perfect crust.

WHERE CAN I FIND A PIZZA STONE?

When I first started using a pizza stone, they weren’t easily available. I’ve had mine for over 20 years from Pampered Chef. Nowadays, pizza stones can be purchased at almost all stores, including Walmart!

CUSTOMIZING YOUR PIZZA CREATIONS

Whether you prefer classic toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms or more adventurous combinations like BBQ chicken and pineapple, the possibilities for customizing your homemade pizza are endless. Feel free to experiment with different sauces, cheeses, meats, and veggies to create a pizza that suits your taste buds perfectly. Get creative and have fun with your pizza creations – after all, it’s all about enjoying a delicious meal made with love.

PIZZA RECIPES

From breakfast pizza recipes to dessert pizza and more! Below are a few of my favorites. CLICK HERE FOR THE HOW COLLECTIONS→PIZZA RECIPES

• LIGHT VEGETABLE PIZZA
• COUNTRY BREAKFAST PIZZA BAKE
• PIZZA MARGHERITA
• CROWD-PLEASING FRUIT PIZZA
• GRILLED PAD THAI PIZZA

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In conclusion, With this foolproof homemade pizza dough recipe, you have the key to unlocking endless possibilities for delicious pizza creations right in your own kitchen. No more store-bought crusts – it’s time to elevate your pizza nights with your own customized masterpieces. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your taste buds. Your pizza night party awaits – let’s get baking!💗Sheryl