Homemade Soft Chewy Dough

A soft, chewy, and flavorful pizza dough perfect for family pizza nights. This recipe yields a versatile base for any topping combination and bakes up golden and delicious every time.

This dough has become our go-to for family pizza night, always impressing with its texture and flavor.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients: 4 cups (500 g) bread flour (plus more for dusting), 2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet), 1½ tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp sugar
• Wet Ingredients: 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water (approx 110°F/43°C), 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

Instructions

Grill meats and vegetables indoors with beautiful sear marks and easy cleanup using minimal oil.

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Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2:

Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3:

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Add a little extra flour if sticky.)

Step 4:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.

Step 5:

Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6:

Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions for large pizzas (or more for smaller pizzas).

Step 7:

Shape each portion into a ball. Rest for 10–15 minutes, covered.

Step 8:

Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Step 9:

Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Top as desired and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Grill meats and vegetables indoors with beautiful sear marks and easy cleanup using minimal oil.

Check price on Amazon

Grill meats and vegetables indoors with beautiful sear marks and easy cleanup using minimal oil.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe always brings the family together for a cozy night.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, kitchen scale (optional but recommended), clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, rolling pin, baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand check labels if concerned.

Nutritional Information

Calories 260. Total Fat 3.5 g. Carbohydrates 50 g. Protein 7 g per serving (based on 6 servings dough only).

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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.

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This dough recipe is simple yet yields professional results every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How long should the dough rise?

Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size to ensure a light, airy texture.

→ What flour type works best for this dough?

Bread flour is recommended for a chewy texture, but substituting up to 1 cup with whole wheat flour adds flavor and fiber.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, extra dough portions can be frozen after the first rise and thawed overnight before use for convenience.

→ What is the ideal baking temperature?

Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12 to 15 minutes to achieve a golden, crisp crust.

→ How can I make the crust crispier?

Baking on a preheated pizza stone helps create a crisper base and evenly baked crust.