Creating your own pizza or calzone dough at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to customize your favorite dishes from the ground up. This recipe provides a simple yet effective method to achieve a dough that's perfect for both pizza and calzones.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up a packet of active dry yeast if you don't already have it. Active dry yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly. Make sure to check the expiration date on the yeast packet to ensure its effectiveness.

Ingredients For Pizza Or Calzone Dough Recipe
Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Water: Used to activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
Active dry yeast: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to create a tender crust.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps to brown the crust.
Technique Tip for Perfect Dough
When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This technique helps develop the gluten, giving you a smooth and elastic dough, which is essential for a good pizza or calzone crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though the texture may be slightly denser.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance, though you may need to adjust the liquid content.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Adds a richer flavor and softer texture to the dough.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Can be mixed directly with dry ingredients, and may reduce rising time.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: A neutral flavor that works well in dough, though it lacks the distinct taste of olive oil.
olive oil - Substitute with melted butter: Adds a richer flavor and can make the dough more tender.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Provides a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness and helps with browning, though it may slightly alter the dough's texture.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze Your Dough
To store the dough in the refrigerator, lightly coat it with olive oil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
For freezing, divide the dough into desired portions after the first rise. Lightly coat each portion with olive oil and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to use frozen dough, transfer it to the refrigerator the night before to thaw slowly. Once thawed, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
If you need to speed up the thawing process, place the wrapped dough in a bowl of warm water for about 15-20 minutes. Ensure the plastic wrap is tightly sealed to prevent water from seeping in.
For a quick rise after thawing, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area covered with a damp cloth. This will help it regain its elasticity and rise slightly before use.
If you have leftover pizza or calzones, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices or portions of pizza or calzones in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until hot and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover pizza or calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
For a quick reheat, use a skillet on medium heat. Place the pizza or calzone in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain a crispy crust while warming the toppings.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza or calzone in the basket and cook for 3-5 minutes. This method ensures a quick and even reheating.
For a microwave option, place a microwave-safe cup of water in the microwave along with the pizza or calzone. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. The water helps keep the crust from becoming too chewy.
If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza or calzone directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
For a steam reheat, place the pizza or calzone in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes. This method is great for maintaining moisture in the dough.
Best Tools for Perfect Dough
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast, and later to mix in the flour, olive oil, and salt.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour and water.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the olive oil, salt, and sugar.
Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the ingredients together until a dough forms.
Floured surface: A clean, flat area where you can knead the dough to achieve a smooth and elastic texture.
Damp cloth: Used to cover the dough while it rises in the bowl.
Oven: Preheat this to 475°F (245°C) to bake your pizza or calzone.
Baking sheet: Place your rolled-out dough on this for baking.
Rolling pin: Useful for rolling out the dough to your desired thickness.
Knife: Needed to divide the dough into desired portions after it has risen.
Pastry brush: Can be used to lightly oil the bowl where the dough will rise.
Timer: Helps you keep track of the 5 minutes for the yeast to become frothy, the 1-hour rise time, and the 12-15 minutes baking time.
How to Save Time on Making Dough
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This streamlines the process and prevents delays.
Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to mix and knead the dough. This saves time and effort.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while the dough is rising to ensure it's ready when you are.
Make extra dough: Double the recipe and freeze half for future use. This way, you only need to thaw and roll out the dough next time.
Use parchment paper: Roll out the dough on parchment paper for easy transfer to the baking sheet.

Pizza or Calzone Dough Recipe
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Warm water
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- 5. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into desired portions.
- 6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Add toppings for pizza or filling for calzones.
- 7. Bake on a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Roasted Pork Chops Recipe35 Minutes
- Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Recipe8 Hours 15 Minutes
- Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork Recipe8 Hours 15 Minutes
- Garlic Pasta Recipe25 Minutes
- Italian Baked Meatballs Recipe45 Minutes
- Air Fried Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks Recipe35 Minutes
- Chicken Katsu Recipe35 Minutes
- Curried Egg Sandwiches Recipe20 Minutes
Leave a Reply