Homemade Soft Chewy Dough

Featured in: Family Meals

This dough yields a soft and chewy texture ideal for classic pizzas and other flatbreads. Begin by activating dry yeast with sugar in warm water until foamy. Mix with olive oil, flour, and salt, then knead until elastic. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours in a warm spot to develop flavor and texture. After punching down, divide and rest before rolling out. Baking on a preheated stone ensures a crisp golden crust. Whole wheat flour can be added for extra fiber and flavor. Store leftovers by freezing after the first rise.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:34:00 GMT
Golden-baked Homemade Pizza Dough, fluffy on the inside, perfect for a family pizza tradition. Save to Pinterest
Golden-baked Homemade Pizza Dough, fluffy on the inside, perfect for a family pizza tradition. | shiftpan.com

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 quickly become my go-to recipe for weekend family pizza nights. Everyone loves how easy it is to work with and the perfect texture it creates.

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

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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.
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Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
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Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| shiftpan.com

This recipe brings my family together in the kitchen and around the table every weekend. Making pizza from scratch is a fun tradition we treasure.

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)

This soft Homemade Pizza Dough has a light, bubbly texture, ready for your favorite toppings. Save to Pinterest
This soft Homemade Pizza Dough has a light, bubbly texture, ready for your favorite toppings. | shiftpan.com
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This homemade dough is the perfect base for endless creative pizzas and family fun. Enjoy every bite and moment!

Questions & Answers About This Recipe

How long should the dough rise?

Allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours in a warm place, until it doubles in size.

Can whole wheat flour be used?

Yes, substituting up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour adds flavor and fiber without compromising texture.

What is the ideal baking temperature?

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

How to ensure a crispy crust?

Use a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet to help develop a crispier base.

Can the dough be stored for later use?

Freeze extra portions after the first rise and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Homemade Soft Chewy Dough

A versatile soft and chewy dough base that bakes to golden perfection for classic Italian dishes.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Total Duration
30 min
Recipe by Emma Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Serves 6 Portions

Dietary Info Vegan Option, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 4 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
02 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
04 1 teaspoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

01 1½ cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
02 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make It

Step 01

Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour if dough is sticky.

Step 04

First Rise: Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Step 05

Divide and Rest: Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and let rest, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 06

Roll Out Dough: Roll each dough ball on a floured surface to desired thickness.

Step 07

Bake Pizza: Transfer rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Add desired toppings and bake at 475°F for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.

What You'll Need

  • 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

Allergy Details

Review all items for allergies and speak to a healthcare expert with any concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand; check labels if concerned.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

For reference only — always check with a nutrition or medical professional.
  • Caloric Value: 260
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 7 g