This simple pizza dough recipe and pizza sauce will have you well on your way to dinner with any toppings you want.
Once you’ve made your own pizza dough you’ll never go back to ready-made bases. When looking for a warm place to rest your dough, opt for a sunny spot or on the open door of the oven set on the lowest temperature.
For extra inspiration visit our collection of pizzas to make at home.
Ingredients
Method
PIZZA DOUGH RECIPE
Combine yeast, sugar and water in a small bowl; cover. Stand in a warm place about 10 minutes, or until frothy.
Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the yeast mixture and olive oil; mix to a soft dough. Bring the dough together with your hands. Add a little extra water, if necessary, to make sure all ingredients are incorporated.
Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Push the dough with the heel of your hand, and give it a quarter turn each time. Place the dough in a lightly oiled large bowl; cover. Stand in a warm place about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
“Punch” the dough down with your fist, then knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll out as desired.
BASIC TOMATO SAUCE RECIPE
Heat olive oil in a medium pan; add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until onion is soft.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, caster sugar and oregano; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes or until the mixture is very thick.
Stir in basil; season to taste.
Homemade pizza dough recipe tips
How to tell if the dough is ready
Once the dough has been kneaded, you will need to let it ‘stand until doubled in size’. However, it can be tricky to gauge the increase in volume and the time provided is always only an approximate guide.
The ‘poke’ test is another way to be assured that the dough has risen sufficiently. Gently press a finger into the dough; if the indent remains, the dough is ready to shape. If not, stand dough for another 15 minutes, then test again.
How many pizzas does this dough recipe make?
This pizza dough recipe makes one thick-crust or 2-3 thin-crust pizza bases. For a thick-crust pizza, use the whole quantity of dough or, for thinner crusts, make two or three pizzas from the one quantity of dough.
How to cook homemade pizza in the oven
Place an oiled oven or pizza tray in oven; preheat to 240°C/475°F. Place dough round on hot tray; spread with pizza sauce and add your favourite toppings. Bake for 15 minutes or until browned.
Can this pizza dough recipe be made ahead?
Dough can be made several hours ahead; store in an oiled bowl, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. Refrigeration will slow down the rising of the dough.
The pizza dough and sauce are both suitable to freeze.
