There's nothing more satisfying than enjoying a crispy, delicious, homemade pizza. But the secret to a great pizza lies in the dough. Our Italian pizza dough recipe is not only easy to prepare, but also brings the authentic taste and texture of a real Italian pizza to your kitchen. Perfect for gourmets, home cooks, and anyone who enjoys discovering new dishes!
Pizza has its roots in Italy and has been an integral part of the cuisine there for centuries. The art of making the perfect pizza dough has been passed down from generation to generation. A traditional pizza dough is crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. The long resting times for the dough are crucial to achieving this ideal texture and full flavor.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rest period: 2 days and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 days and 45 minutes
Ingredients for 6 round pizzas:
- 500 ml lukewarm water
- 25 ml olive oil
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 20 g salt
- 1 pinch of sugar
- 925 g plain flour (type 405 wheat flour)
Preparation step by step:
- Activate yeast:
Combine the lukewarm water and olive oil in a large bowl. Crumble the fresh yeast into it and mix with the salt and sugar until dissolved. This step is the beginning of your yeast-based pizza dough. - Knead the dough:
Gradually add the flour to the yeast-water mixture and knead everything into a smooth dough. The dough should be pliable and elastic. This can take about 10-15 minutes if kneading by hand. Kneading pizza dough by hand is a traditional method that makes the dough particularly airy. - Let the dough rest:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until it has doubled in volume. - Cool the dough:
Knead the dough again to expel any air, then place it in a covered bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for 2 days. This long resting time imparts its full flavor and improves the texture. This is a pizza dough secret that makes all the difference. - Shaping the pizza:
After 2 days, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface into a round pizza shape. This will ensure the perfect pizza dough for thin pizzas. - Top and bake the pizza:
Preheat the oven to the highest possible temperature (ideally 250-300°C). Top the pizzas as desired—tomato sauce and cheese are a must!—and bake on a pizza stone or baking sheet in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the toppings are golden brown. Oven baking pizza dough at a high temperature ensures a crispy finish.
Tips & Variations:
- Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like prosciutto, arugula, olives, or artichoke hearts to customize your pizza.
- Using leftovers: Leftover dough can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for up to a week.
- Seasonal adjustments: In summer, fresh tomatoes and basil can be used for a light topping, while in winter, hearty ingredients like bacon and mushrooms are ideal.
Serving suggestion:
Serve your homemade pizza on a wooden board that perfectly showcases the crispy crust and juicy toppings.A fresh green salad and a glass of cool water with a squeeze of lemon complete the Italian culinary experience.
Conclusion:
A good pizza dough is the foundation for a great pizza. With this authentic pizza dough recipe, you'll achieve a crust that's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—just like your favorite Italian restaurant. The long resting time in the refrigerator brings out the full flavor and ensures an optimal texture. Making Italian-style pizza dough at home has never been easier. Try it and bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen.
Have fun baking and buon appetito!
