Rustic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe

why make this recipe

This dough makes a crisp, chewy crust with a light inside. It uses few ingredients and simple steps. You can make thin or thick crusts. The dough holds many toppings and bakes fast on a hot stone.

introduction

This Rustic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe is easy and honest. It uses cold water and slow handling for a good texture. If you want a simple dessert with this pizza, try the banana pudding brownies recipe to finish the meal.

how to make Rustic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe

Mix the dry ingredients first, then add cold water and oil. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in warm place until it doubles. Divide and shape into rounds, rest, then stretch into pizza shapes. Top and bake on a very hot stone for a short time. Rest the pizza a bit before slicing.

Ingredients :

• 5 cups all-purpose or 00 flour
• 1.5 tsp instant dry yeast or active dry yeast
• 1.5 tsp sea salt
• 2.25 cups cold water
• 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• Caramelized onions
• Arrabiata Sauce
• Heirloom Tomatoes
• Fresh Basil
• Green Onions
• Smoked Mozzarella Cheese
• Sauteed Mushrooms
• Ricotta Meatballs
• Roasted Peppers

Directions :

• Preheat your oven to its highest temperature with a pizza stone inside for at least 45 minutes to an hour.
• Combine flour, sea salt, and yeast in a mixer, then add cold water. Mix until incorporated.
• Use the dough hook to knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
• Divide the dough, round into pieces, let rise for 2 hours.
• Stretch the dough into circles, add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
• Slide onto the preheated pizza stone and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
• Top with basil and grated cheese, allow to rest before slicing.

how to serve Rustic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe

Serve hot right after it rests a few minutes. Cut into wedges and offer extra basil or olive oil. Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables. Let guests add grated cheese or chili flakes.

how to store Rustic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe

For raw dough: oil the dough, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before use. For baked pizza: store in airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or on a skillet to keep crust crisp.

tips to make Rustic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe

• Use cold water and mix gently at first to keep dough relaxed.
• Let the dough rest well after shaping to avoid spring-back.
• Heat the oven and stone fully so the crust cooks fast.
• Don’t overload toppings; a thin layer bakes evenly.
• If using active dry yeast, proof it in a little warm water first.

variation (if any)

• Make smaller personal pizzas or one large pie.
• Add herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
• Use whole wheat or half whole wheat flour for a nuttier crust.
• Try different cheeses and vegetable toppings listed in the ingredients.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dough by hand?
A: Yes. Mix and knead on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth.

Q: Can I use warm water instead of cold?
A: Cold water gives better texture here. Warm water will speed fermentation and change the crumb.

Q: How long can I let the dough rise?
A: Two hours at room temperature works. You can also rise slowly in the fridge up to 48 hours for more flavor.

Q: Can I bake without a pizza stone?
A: Yes. Use a hot baking sheet or cast iron pan. Preheat it in the oven the same way.

Q: How do I get a bubbly crust?
A: Handle the dough gently, use high heat, and let it rest before baking to keep the air pockets.

Rustic Italian Pizza Dough

• Author: bennacer-blogbrandinggmail-com
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A simple and authentic recipe for a crisp, chewy pizza dough that can hold a variety of toppings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups all-purpose or 00 flour
• 1.5 tsp instant dry yeast or active dry yeast
• 1.5 tsp sea salt
• 2.25 cups cold water
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Caramelized onions
• Arrabiata Sauce
• Heirloom Tomatoes
• Fresh Basil
• Green Onions
• Smoked Mozzarella Cheese
• Sauteed Mushrooms
• Ricotta Meatballs
• Roasted Peppers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to its highest temperature with a pizza stone inside for at least 45 minutes to an hour.
2. Combine flour, sea salt, and yeast in a mixer, then add cold water. Mix until incorporated.
3. Use the dough hook to knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough, round into pieces, let rise for 2 hours.
5. Stretch the dough into circles, add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
6. Slide onto the preheated pizza stone and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
7. Top with basil and grated cheese, allow to rest before slicing.

---

Notes

To ensure a perfect crust, don’t overload toppings and let the dough rest properly after shaping.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg