Easy Homemade Pizza Dough

I think it's safe to say I've come a LONG way since I was first married. I don't think I tried baking with yeast until a few years ago, and I've been married over 11 years! Now I think I'd try almost anything that required the use of yeast...bring it on!

One of my most favorite traditions we have in my cute little family is Friday Night Pizza Night. We are all home together, we plan our favorite pizza recipe, and we rent a Redbox or buy the newest family flick that is out. We snuggle together, eat our pizza, and enjoy each other's company. My kids look forward to Friday night every week!

I want to share my dough recipe with you. I've tried a LOT of recipes, and this one has been tweaked to what our family likes best. Of course, everyone likes different styles - deep dish, crunchy, thick, whatever. I like a doughy crust with thick, chewy bread and garlic. And the best part is that this recipe is so easy. I've never failed at an attempt to make pizza dough with it!!

Keep up with Girls in Aprons as we share our favorite pizza recipes with you in the following months!

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
Girls in Aprons

2 T active dry yeast (or 2 packets, I just buy mine in bulk at Costco)
2 T sugar
1/4 cup oil (olive oil is preferred, but you can use vegetable oil in a pinch)
2-3 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder (you can adjust this to your liking, or omit it)
4 cups flour 

In a mixing bowl, pour 1 1/2 cups warm water and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it stand until foamy (about 4-5 minutes).

With dough hook attachment, stir together the sugar, oil, salt, and garlic powder into the yeast mixture. Add flour and stir until mixed in completely. Dough will be sticky. Don't add more flour!! You will add a bit more as you roll it out later. Remove dough hook and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Set aside until doubled in size (about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the temperature of your kitchen). Lightly flour your work surface. Place dough on work surface and roll out into the shape desired. I use a 12 inch pizza stone, and can get two pizzas from this recipe.

Preheat your oven to 475 degrees. (If using a pizza stone, place in oven before preheating, then remove carefully and place dough on hot stone). Put dough on pan or stone. Add sauce and topping and bake for 8-10 minutes.

* You can make this dough ahead of time. Just place in fridge and cover. Remove and let come to room temperature and rise before using. I would use it the same day you make it.
* To freeze, place dough in a freezer safe plastic bag for up to 3 months.