Description

This bubbly pizza dough recipe creates a perfectly crispy and chewy crust with airy, bubbly texture. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, olive oil, and warm water, this artisan-style dough is easy to prepare and ideal for homemade pizza nights. The dough rises slowly to develop flavor and is hand-stretched before baking on a hot stone or steel for a golden, crisp finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier crust)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or dried oregano

Wet Ingredients

1 1/4 cups warm water (bath temperature, around 100°F to 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Pour warm water into a small bowl, add sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
Mix and Knead the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and optional seasonings. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, stretchy, and slightly tacky. This builds gluten for the desired crust texture.
Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size, to develop airy texture and flavor.
Shape the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air, divide into two equal balls, and let them rest for 10 minutes. Hand-stretch each ball into a 10-12 inch circle to preserve bubbles and rustic texture.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 500°F, place a pizza stone or steel inside if available. Transfer the dough to the hot surface, add desired toppings, and bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the crust is puffed, crisp, and golden brown.

Notes

Use bread flour for a chewier, more robust crust.
Always activate the yeast until foamy for proper rising.
Do not rush the rising process; patience improves texture and flavor.
Hand-stretch dough to keep bubbly pockets intact instead of using a rolling pin.
Preheat the oven fully with a pizza stone or steel for a crispy bottom crust.
Top the pizza lightly to avoid weighing down the crust.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 to 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: pizza dough, bubbly pizza dough, pizza crust, homemade pizza, artisan pizza dough, crispy pizza crust, chewy pizza crust, bread flour pizza dough, easy pizza dough from scratch