Try this homemade Classic American Pizza Dough recipe the whole family will love. Made with Flour, Salt, Yeast and Honey. Easy step-by-step instructions…
This Classic American Pizza Dough relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as unbleached bread flour, salt, instant yeast and honey. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 589 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.
It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.
Updated Jun 30, 2026
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Note: If using active dry yeast, combine the yeast with the warm water and set aside to proof.
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1.
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Place all dry ingredients into the mixing bowl and stir together.
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If using instant yeast, add the yeast to the dry ingredients.
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2.
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Add the wet ingredients and, using the paddle attachment on you stand mixer, mix on low speed for 1 minute until all the ingredients are combined.
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3.
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Let the dough sit for 1-5 minutes and mix on medium/low for another minute.
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Slowly add more flour if needed until you end up with a soft dough.
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It should be a like a sticky note.
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If you stick your finger into the dough, it should slide off smoothly.
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If its still sticky, add more flour.
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4.
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Rub oil on a work surface and your hands.
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Scoop the dough out onto the work surface.
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Stretch the dough out into a rectangle.
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Fold the ends over center of the dough like you were folding a piece of paper into itself to fit in an envelope.
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Fold into a ball, cover with a bowl, and let sit for 5 minutes.
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5.
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Repeat this folding and resting technique 3 times for a total of 4 kneading sessions.
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6.
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Place the dough into an oiled bowl large enough to hold the dough when it doubles in size.
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Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for 1-3 days.
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7.
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Remove the dough and divide into 4 pieces for New York Style pizza and 3 pieces for deep dish pizza.
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8.
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Any dough not being cooked immediately should be stored in an oiled plastic baggie in the freezer.
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When ready to use the frozen dough, allow it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and place at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
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For New York style pizza: 1.
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Place the pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees F. 2.
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Generously flour a work surface and your hands.
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3.
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Place the dough over the back of your hands and move them around the edge of the dough, allowing gravity to pull the dough down.
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4.
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Place the dough on the work surface and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
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5.
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Repeat this stretching process until the dough is 10-12 inches wide.
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6.
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Scoop a small amount of sauce onto the top of the dough.
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Using the back of a spoon spread the sauce over the dough.
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You only want to kiss the dough with sauce; it should be barely coated.
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7.
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Add the desired amount of cheese (I like a lot).
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Feel free to add different types of cheese.
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Using little puffs of ricotta is delicious!
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8.
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Sprinkle the seasonings on top of the pizza.
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8.
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Slide the pizza onto the pizza stone and cook for 5 minutes.
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Check the underside of the pizza to ensure the pizza crust is rich golden brown.
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For deep dish pizza: 1.
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Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and line the bottom of an 8-9 cake pan with parchment paper.
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2.
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Place the dough over the back of your hands and move them around the edge of the dough, allowing gravity to pull the dough down.
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3.
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Place the dough into the pan and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
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4.
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Using your fingers press the dough to fill the pan.
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5.
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Scoop a small amount of sauce onto the top of the dough.
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Using the back of a spoon spread the sauce over the dough.
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You only want to kiss the dough with sauce; it should be barely coated.
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6.
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Add the desired amount of cheese (I like a lot).
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Feel free to add different types of cheese.
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Using little puffs of ricotta is delicious!
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7.
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Sprinkle the seasonings on top of the pizza.
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8.
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Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
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Cook until the pizza crust is rich golden brown.
* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.
Tips for the best results
- Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
- Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.
Variations & substitutions
- Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
- A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.
My Personal Notes
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Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.
You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 5 cups Unbleached Bread Flour, 1- 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Instant Yeast, 2 teaspoons Honey, and more.
Yes, Classic American Pizza Dough falls under the Drinks & Smoothies category and is a great choice for this type of meal.
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.