Fast and Easy Homemade Pizza Dough (That Beats Delivery Every Time)
Okay, this one’s for the days when you’re craving something comforting, delicious, and maybe a little indulgent—but you also want to skip the takeout guilt. This fast and easy homemade pizza dough recipe is my weeknight go-to, especially when I want something warm and fresh but don’t have hours to spare.
The best part? It takes just minutes to make the dough, and the rest is totally customizable. Think classic red sauce and mozzarella, or go wild with a pesto base, caramelized onions, roasted veggies, or a sprinkle of vegan feta. You can even get creative with the shape—hearts, ovals, rustic rounds—whatever suits your mood. It’s fun, it’s simple, and honestly? It tastes like something you’d get at a cozy little pizza place in Italy.
A little backstory…
Pizza night was always a thing in our house growing up, and now I love putting my own twist on it. Especially for my women over 50 crowd—this is a fabulous way to enjoy a nostalgic comfort food while still being mindful of the ingredients. You control the flour, the oil, the toppings—and that means you control the nutrition. Add a big side salad and a glass of wine or sparkling water, and it’s a little dinner party at home.
Homemade Pizza Dough
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Equipment
- pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza Peel optional
- Parchment Paper optional
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water about 110 degrees
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil or oregano optional
- 1 tsp garlic powder optional
- sprinkle Cornmeal for dusting the pan or use parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450℉ degrees. If using a pizza stone, place stone into the oven as it heats.
- Proof yeast by combining warm water, yeast and sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes or until bubbles and or froth form.1 cup warm water, 1 tsp sugar, 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- In a medium size mixing bowl or using stand mixer, add flour, salt and olive oil and mix well. The dough will form a ball and feel slightly sticky.2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cups bread flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried basil or oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder
- Spread olive oil on your hands if the dough is too sticky so you can work with the dough easily and form dough into a ball.
- Transfer to a oiled surface and let sit for about five minutes.
- Divide dough in two or four smaller pieces. Using parchment paper, shape or roll the dough into a circle, a heart, or whatever shape you prefer.sprinkle Cornmeal for dusting the pan
- Add your favorite pizza sauce and toppings.
- Using a pizza peel to transfer the pizza and parchment to the preheated pizza stone.
- Bake at 450℉ degrees for 12 minutes or until desired doneness.
- Remove from oven with pizza peel and put onto cutting board. Serve and enjoy!!
- Makes two medium or four small pizzas.
Video
More About This Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want
- Mixing bowls (small for yeast proofing, medium for mixing dough)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Parchment paper or a pizza peel
- Rolling pin (or your hands!)
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza cutter or large chef’s knife
Cooking Tips
- Proofing yeast is key—your water should be warm (not hot!) to activate the yeast. Think bathwater warm, around 110°F.
- If the dough feels too sticky, coat your hands lightly with olive oil—it makes shaping easier and adds a little extra richness.
- Pizza stone = crispy crust. Pop it in the oven during preheat for that restaurant-style texture. No stone? No worries. A baking sheet works too.
- This dough is super forgiving. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before shaping if it’s springing back too much.
- Want to make it ahead? The dough keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
Health Benefits (Especially for Women 50+)
- Olive oil is rich in anti-inflammatory fats and antioxidants, including oleocanthal, which supports brain and heart health as we age.
- Homemade dough means no preservatives or additives—just simple, whole ingredients.
- Customize your toppings with fiber-rich veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, and protein sources like grilled chicken or plant-based sausage. Add a sprinkle of calcium-rich cheese or vegan alternatives to support bone health.
- Garlic and oregano (optional, but recommended!) are both anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive—bonus perks in a comfort food recipe.
Fast, Easy, and Personal
Whether you’re cooking for two, meal-prepping for the week, or turning dinner into a fun family activity, this quick pizza recipe is endlessly adaptable. Make two medium pizzas or four personal-sized ones and let everyone top their own.
For women over 50 especially, this recipe is a great reminder that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated—and homemade really does taste better. Plus, it’s a way to stay connected to what you’re eating and create something joyful, fresh, and completely yours.
Here’s to making pizza night the new self-care ritual.