Homemade Soft Chewy Dough

Featured in: Everyday Main Dishes

This dough yields a soft and chewy texture with a golden crust, ideal for pizza lovers seeking a satisfying base. Combining bread flour, yeast, olive oil, and salt, it requires easy mixing and kneading, followed by a slow rise to develop flavor and texture. Once proofed, the dough divides for multiple pizzas and bakes to crisp perfection, accommodating various toppings. For extra flavor and fiber, whole wheat flour can be added, and leftovers freeze well for future use. Simply bake at high heat for a delicious homemade meal.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:19:00 GMT
Golden-crusted homemade pizza dough ready to bake, promising a delicious, crispy family dinner. Save to Pinterest
Golden-crusted homemade pizza dough ready to bake, promising a delicious, crispy family dinner. | vectorgrill.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 become a staple for our family pizza nights. It’s easy to prepare and always impresses everyone with its texture and flavor.

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:
  • 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water: approx. 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil:

Instructions

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.
Warm, soft homemade pizza dough, shaped and ready for toppings, perfect for Italian night. Save to Pinterest
Warm, soft homemade pizza dough, shaped and ready for toppings, perfect for Italian night. | vectorgrill.com

This recipe has brought our family closer as we share the joy of making and eating pizza together every week.

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

Nutritional Information

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

Notes

For a crispier crust bake on a preheated pizza stone. Substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for extra flavor and fiber. Freeze extra dough portions after the first rise thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

A close-up of the smooth, elastic homemade pizza dough, inviting you to create pizza! Save to Pinterest
A close-up of the smooth, elastic homemade pizza dough, inviting you to create pizza! | vectorgrill.com

Try experimenting with different toppings for your perfect homemade pizza every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How long should the dough rise?

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

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Yes, replacing up to 1 cup of bread flour with whole wheat adds flavor and fiber without compromising the dough’s texture.

What’s the best way to bake for a crisp crust?

Bake on a preheated pizza stone to achieve a golden, crisp crust that enhances the dough’s texture.

How do I store extra dough?

Freeze portions after the first rise. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using to maintain freshness.

What temperature is ideal for baking?

Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns golden and crisp.

Homemade Soft Chewy Dough

Delightfully soft, chewy dough that forms a versatile base for your favorite toppings.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
Created by Chloe Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Info Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You’ll Use

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

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

How-To

Step 01

Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let rest 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil, 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 floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Divide and Rest Dough: Punch down the dough, divide into two equal portions, shape each into a ball, cover, and rest 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 06

Shape and Bake: Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to desired thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake in a preheated oven 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
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone

Allergy Info

Look over each item for allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • May contain traces of soy or nuts depending on flour brand.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

Nutrition data is for learning only—not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 260
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 7 g