Best Basic Homemade Pizza Dough for Beginners

Combine warm water and sugar in a bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

Using a fork, gradually combine the dry and wet ingredients until a sticky dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a flour-dusted surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add flour a little at a time.

Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into round balls and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before rolling and adding toppings.

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll the dough out to your desired thickness, add your toppings, and bake on a hot pizza stone or a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.