How do I make my own pizza dough for a small pizza?

For a personal-sized pizza, you can scale down the ingredients. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for a single-serving pizza dough:

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast – In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy.
2. Make the Dough – In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead – Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Let It Rise – Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 30–45 minutes (or until it doubles in size).
5. Shape the Dough – Punch down the dough, roll it out into a 6–8 inch circle, and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
6. Rest (Optional) – Let it rest for 10–15 minutes for a fluffier crust.
7. Top & Bake – Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake for 8–12 minutes until golden and crispy.

Would you like a quicker no-yeast version? 🚀

Here's a quick no-yeast pizza dough recipe for a single serving!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon sugar (optional, for slight flavor balance)
• ⅓ cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Add Wet Ingredients – Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead – Lightly knead for 1–2 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Shape – Roll out the dough into a 6–8 inch circle on a floured surface.
5. Pre-Bake (Optional) – For a crispier crust, bake at 450°F (230°C) for 3–5 minutes before adding toppings.
6. Top & Bake – Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake for 8–12 minutes or until golden brown.

This version is super fast and still delicious! 🍕

What kind of crust do you prefer? Here are my recommendations based on your preference:

1. Thin & Crispy Crust

• Temperature: 475°F (245°C)
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Tip: Pre-bake the crust for 3–5 minutes before adding toppings for extra crispiness.

2. Classic Hand-Tossed Crust (Chewy & Slightly Crispy)

• Temperature: 450°F (230°C)
• Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
• Tip: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes after rolling to avoid shrinking.

3. Thick/Deep Dish Crust (Soft & Fluffy Inside, Crispy Outside)

• Temperature: 375–400°F (190–200°C)
• Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
• Tip: Bake in a greased pan and cover with foil for the first 10 minutes to cook evenly without burning the top.

Yes! You can absolutely freeze a ready-made pizza before baking it, and it will still turn out great when you’re ready to eat it. Here’s how:

How to Freeze Unbaked Pizza

1. Par-Bake the Crust (Recommended for Best Results)

   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
   • Bake the rolled-out pizza dough (without toppings) for 3–5 minutes, just until it sets but doesn’t brown.
   • Let it cool completely.

2. Add Toppings

   • Spread your sauce, cheese, and any toppings. Avoid very watery toppings (like fresh tomatoes) because they can make the crust soggy.

3. Freeze Properly

   • Place the pizza on a baking sheet and freeze it uncovered for 1–2 hours (this prevents sticking).
   • Once solid, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a large freezer-safe bag.
   • Label with the date—frozen pizzas last up to 2 months.

How to Bake Frozen Pizza

• No need to thaw!
• Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
• Bake directly on a pizza stone or baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Would you like tips on freezing dough instead of a fully prepped pizza?

Freezing pizza dough is a great way to have fresh homemade pizza anytime! Here’s how to do it properly:

How to Freeze Pizza Dough

1. Make the Dough

   • Prepare your pizza dough as usual and let it rise completely.

2. Divide into Portions

   • If you made a large batch, divide the dough into individual pizza portions before freezing.
   • Lightly coat each ball of dough with olive oil to prevent drying out.

3. Wrap & Store

   • Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
   • Label with the date—the dough stays fresh for up to 3 months.

How to Use Frozen Pizza Dough

1. Thaw Properly

   • Move the dough to the fridge and let it thaw overnight (or at least 8 hours).
   • For a quicker method, place the wrapped dough in a bowl of warm water for about 30 minutes until soft.

2. Bring to Room Temperature

   • Before using, let the dough sit at room temp for 30 minutes to relax and rise slightly.

3. Roll Out & Bake

   • Shape, top, and bake as usual! 🍕