Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating pillowy, golden, irresistibly chewy pizza at home—without the elbow grease of kneading—get ready to fall in love with the Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe. In just a few simple steps, everyday ingredients transform into a bakery-quality crust that will make even your favorite pizzeria jealous. No fancy equipment or advanced techniques here—just pure pizza-making joy you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dough is magic because it relies on a handful of pantry staples—each one playing a vital role in the incredible texture and flavor. Nothing fancy or tricky; just honest, good food coming together easily.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust, all-purpose flour gives structure and just the right amount of chew to your pizza.
- Active dry yeast: Just half a teaspoon is all you need for slow, flavorful fermentation that develops beautiful bubbles and lift.
- Warm water: Helps the yeast wake up and blend seamlessly so your dough comes together without hassle.
- Salt: Intensifies flavor and helps keep the yeast in check, ensuring a well-seasoned crust.
- Olive oil: Adds tenderness and a lovely golden color to the finished pizza, plus a rich aroma as it bakes.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: An easy, delicious base for your sauce, packed with robust tomato flavor.
- Olive oil (for sauce): Adds body and subtle richness to the tomato sauce.
- Garlic: Just one clove brings a gentle, fragrant depth you can’t skip in homemade pizza sauce.
- Dry oregano: A pinch of oregano offers that classic pizzeria taste we all crave.
- Salt (for sauce): Enhances the natural sweetness of those tomatoes—taste and adjust as needed.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that lifts the sauce without overpowering it.
- Fresh mozzarella: The iconic melty cheese we all adore, especially when torn fresh for amazing puddles over the crust.
- Fresh basil leaves: Few things make pizza sing like the peppery freshness of basil leaves added at the very end.
- Drizzle olive oil: For that final touch—an aromatic finish that adds shine and even more depth.
How to Make Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and yeast to evenly distribute. This simple start ensures every bit of flour will get in on the magic as the dough rises, so your crust turns out beautifully textured every time.
Step 2: Add Water and Mix
Heat your water until it’s just barely warm to the touch, then create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Slowly pour in the water while stirring with a wooden spoon, drawing in flour from the edges. This method helps everything blend smoothly and encourages those trademark pizza bubbles to develop later.
Step 3: Incorporate Salt and Olive Oil
Sprinkle the salt and olive oil over your shaggy dough and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides with your spoon to catch every last bit—no need for fancy technique here, just make sure it all comes together. Your dough will look sticky and untidy, and that’s exactly what you want for the Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe!
Step 4: Cover and Let Rise
Now comes the patient part: cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit somewhere warm and draft-free—your unlit oven is perfect. Leave it for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 if you want a more complex flavor and airier bubbles. When it’s ready, your dough will be doubled, jiggly, and pocked with bubbles.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Dust your work surface generously with flour and gently scrape out the dough with a spatula. Handle it delicately—no kneading required—just fold the sides over to the center, then the top and bottom, gathering into a ball with the seam on the bottom. You’re encouraging height and airiness, not flattening it out.
Step 6: Second Proof
Lightly oil the same mixing bowl and nestle your dough ball inside, seam down. Cover tightly again with plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour. This quick proof gives your dough just the pop it needs to bake up tall and proud in the oven.
Step 7: Shape for the Pan
Pop the dough onto a well-floured surface and gently press it out with your fingertips into a large rectangle. Flour your hands as needed, and avoid using a rolling pin—it’s all about keeping those precious gas bubbles intact!
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
If you’re going with a pizza stone or round pans, divide your dough in two, shaping each into a circle for classic pizzas. If doing a rectangular pie, oil your baking pan generously and ease the dough onto it, using your fingertips to gently spread it out. Cover with a cloth while you preheat your oven to 500 degrees F and get your toppings ready.
Step 9: Make the Sauce
Combine crushed tomatoes, olive oil, crushed garlic, oregano, a pinch of salt, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir it up and let the flavors mingle—so simple, but it delivers that fresh, bright kick real pizzerias rely on.
Step 10: Top the Pizza
When the oven’s fully preheated, pull the garlic from the sauce and spread the tomato mixture over your dough. Tear or slice the mozzarella and place over the sauce, distributing evenly but not too thick. If using regular shredded mozzarella, add it only in the final five minutes to prevent burning—trust me, it makes all the difference for the Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe.
Step 11: Bake
Place your pizza on the bottom rack and bake for 11-12 minutes, watching for cheese melt and a deep golden crust. Peek underneath with a spatula to be sure it’s crisp and browned; if the cheese is perfect but you want more browning on the crust, tent gently with foil and pop back in for a minute or two more.
Step 12: Finish and Serve
Once it emerges bubbling and beautiful from the oven, crown with fresh basil leaves and a final drizzle of olive oil. Slicing into that gorgeous crust is pure joy—serve each piece hot and enjoy the fruits of your (very unstressed) labor!
How to Serve Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is an absolute must here, adding a vibrant pop of green and peppery aroma the moment it hits the hot pizza. For more flair, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of parmesan—these little extras go a long way towards taking every slice of the Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe into restaurant-worthy territory.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic by pairing your homemade pizza with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple tossed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or garlicky broccolini on the side complement the pizza’s warmth and comfort. You can’t go wrong with a cold drink—sparkling water or a favorite wine—and good company.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pizza into rough squares for an authentic, casual pizzeria feel, or serve in wedges if going round. Make mini personal-sized pies if you’re entertaining, or offer a “pizza bar” where guests can choose toppings before baking for a hands-on dinner party. However you serve it, the Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe is always a conversation starter at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any uneaten slices can be placed in an airtight container or wrapped snugly in foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—the crust will hold up beautifully and the flavors will meld together even more as it rests.
Freezing
The great news is that both raw dough and baked pizza freeze like a dream. For dough, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to two months. If you have leftover slices, stack them with parchment paper between layers, wrap well, and freeze for quick lunches or midnight snacks.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your pizza on a preheated baking sheet in a hot oven (around 450 degrees F) until heated through—this helps revive the crispy crust. For a speedier solution, a stovetop skillet over medium heat also does a great job bringing your Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe back to life.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! You can swap in up to half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture. Just note that the crust may be denser and you might need a tablespoon or two more water since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
What if my kitchen is cold—will the dough still rise?
Yes, although it may take longer for the dough to double in size. Try placing the bowl inside your (turned-off) oven with the light on, or near a warm appliance. The flexible timing of the Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe makes it forgiving for any kitchen environment.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Definitely! You can mix the dough and let it rise in the fridge for up to 24 hours, which actually deepens the flavor. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What’s the best way to handle super sticky dough?
Generous flouring of your hands and surface is key—don’t be afraid to use a bit extra. The high hydration of this dough is what gives it that signature airy crumb, so a bit of stickiness is normal and desirable for the Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe.
Can I add other toppings or seasonings?
Absolutely! The beauty of this dough is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with roasted veggies, cooked sausage, pesto, caramelized onions, or any of your favorite pizza toppings. Just be careful not to overload the dough so your crust bakes up light and crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of pulling a bubbling, homemade pizza out of your own oven—and with the Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe, that joy is only a few simple steps away. Whether you’re a first-time pizza maker or a seasoned home chef, give this recipe a try and let it earn its spot in your regular dinner rotations. Grab those ingredients and dive in—you’re in for a seriously delicious treat!
Print
Easiest No Knead Pizza Dough Recipe
- Total Time: 7-25 hours
- Yield: 2 12-inch pizzas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the easiest no-knead pizza dough with a simple tomato sauce and classic toppings. This recipe yields a deliciously crusty pizza with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups water (just barely warm)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Tomato Sauce:
- 3/4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- Salt (to taste)
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings:
- 100 grams fresh mozzarella packaged in water (or as much as you like!)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnishing)
- Drizzle olive oil
Instructions
- For the dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and yeast. Heat the water until barely warm. Make a well in the center of the flour and slowly pour in the water while stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Stir until the flour is almost completely incorporated, then sprinkle the salt and olive oil over the dough. Continue stirring until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place for 6-24 hours.
- Scrape the dough onto a floured surface and fold it over to form a ball. Let it rise for another hour.
- Shape the dough into pizzas and place on a greased baking pan.
- For the tomato sauce: Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Add toppings to the pizza and bake at 500°F for 11-12 minutes until crusty and golden.
- Top with basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings to your liking, such as adding pepperoni, vegetables, or different cheeses.
- For a crispier crust, preheat your baking pan before placing the dough on it.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pizza, No-Knead Dough, Homemade, Easy, Italian
