This easy bread machine pizza dough recipe allows you to create fresh, homemade pizza crust with minimal effort. Utilizing a bread machine simplifies the kneading process, making it convenient for busy cooks.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can prepare a delicious pizza dough that can be topped with your favorite ingredients for a perfect homemade pizza night.
Creating the Perfect Pizza Dough
Homemade pizza begins with a solid foundation: the dough. Using a bread machine simplifies this process, allowing for a soft and chewy crust with minimal effort.
Start by gathering your ingredients, which include warm water, olive oil, bread flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. These basic components come together to create a delicious base for your pizza.
Once you have everything ready, pour the warm water and olive oil into the bread machine pan. Layer the bread flour, sugar, and salt on top, and make a small well in the flour to add the yeast. This method ensures that the yeast activates properly during the mixing process.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
After adding the ingredients, close the lid and select the ‘Dough’ cycle on your bread machine. This cycle typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, during which the machine will mix, knead, and let the dough rise.
Once the cycle is complete, check the dough’s consistency. It should be smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a touch more water. Achieving the right texture is key to a successful crust.
Shaping and Preparing the Dough
After ensuring the dough is just right, remove it from the pan and place it on a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions, perfect for making two 12-inch pizzas.
Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough into your desired shape.
Rolling Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking. Take one dough ball and roll it out on a floured surface to your preferred thickness. Whether you like a thin crust or a thicker base, this is your chance to customize.
Once rolled out, transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Make sure to shape it to fit your chosen surface, ensuring an even bake.
Adding Toppings
Now comes the fun part: adding your favorite toppings. Start with a layer of sauce, followed by a generous amount of cheese. For a classic touch, add slices of pepperoni, and don’t forget to include vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and olives for added flavor and color.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! The beauty of homemade pizza is the ability to personalize it to your taste preferences.
Baking Your Pizza
Once your pizza is topped to perfection, it’s time to bake. Place it in the preheated oven and let it cook for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
When it’s ready, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a moment. Then, slice it up and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness that awaits!
Simple Bread Machine Pizza Dough Recipe
This pizza dough recipe yields a soft and chewy crust, perfect for any pizza style. The process takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish and makes enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the bread machine pan. Add the bread flour, sugar, and salt on top of the liquid. Finally, make a small well in the flour and add the yeast.
- Select Cycle: Close the lid and select the ‘Dough’ cycle on your bread machine. Start the machine and let it run through the cycle, which typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Check Dough: Once the cycle is complete, check the dough. It should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
- Shape the Dough: Remove the dough from the pan and place it on a floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas. Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
- Roll Out: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out each dough ball into your desired pizza shape and thickness. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings to the rolled-out dough.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 pizzas
- Calories: 200kcal per serving
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g