Overnight Pizza Dough Recipe

Make the best homemade pizza dough with this easy, overnight recipe. Ideal for pizza lovers, this pizza dough yields a perfectly chewy, crispy crust every time. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and warm water, you can create restaurant-quality pizza in your own kitchen. Plus, the dough’s overnight rise develops a rich, tangy flavor that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-110˚F)
• 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tbsp fine sea salt
• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly), plus extra for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and salt. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes before stirring until well dissolved.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, measure 3 1/3 cups of flour and create a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture into the well and stir with a firm spatula until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough by hand for about 2 minutes. It will be sticky, so dust with flour if needed.
3. First Rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 4-5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape and Refrigerate the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions. To shape, fold each piece of dough in half 8 times (folding it like a book). Form the dough into a ball and place each piece into a lightly oiled bowl, seam-side down. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 18 hours or up to 1 week.
5. Form the Pizza Crust:
   • Remove the dough from the fridge about 1 hour before using to allow it to relax and come to room temperature.
   • Preheat your oven to 550˚F, placing a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the center rack to heat up.
   • Lightly flour a pizza peel and prepare your toppings.
   • Once the dough has reached room temperature and the oven is fully preheated, transfer one ball of dough to a floured surface. Gently pat the center with your fingertips to form a disc, being careful not to pop any air bubbles.
   • Stretch the dough by lifting it over your knuckles, turning it to work the dough outward, leaving a thicker crust around the edges.
   • Continue until the pizza reaches a 10-12 inch diameter. Transfer it to the floured pizza peel and add your desired sauce and toppings.
   • Shake the peel gently to ensure the pizza moves easily. Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy with lightly scorched bubbles.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This overnight pizza dough recipe is the key to achieving a perfectly chewy, flavorful crust every time. The slow fermentation process enhances the dough’s depth of flavor, and the simple ingredients make it easy to prepare. Whether you’re a pizza pro or a novice, this dough guarantees delicious results with minimal effort. Plus, the convenience of overnight prep means you can have fresh, homemade pizza with ease.

Tips

• Correct Flour Measurement: To measure flour correctly, use a spoon to fill the measuring cup, then level it off with a flat edge. This prevents overpacking the flour, which could result in a dense dough.
• Room Temperature Dough: Letting the dough come to room temperature before shaping helps it relax, making it easier to stretch into a pizza crust.
• Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 550˚F before baking. A hot oven ensures the crust crisps up perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum) for a gluten-free version of this dough.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist and a nuttier flavor.
• Flavored Crust: Add garlic powder, dried herbs, or a pinch of grated parmesan to the dough for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I freeze this dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has been shaped and rested. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, active dry yeast works perfectly. Just make sure to dissolve it in the warm water first, as outlined in the recipe.

How can I make the dough rise faster? If you’re short on time, let the dough rise in a warmer spot, like near a heater or in the oven with just the light on. However, the overnight rise creates the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Once your pizza crust is baked, load it up with your favorite toppings such as fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, olives, and veggies.
• Sides: Pair your pizza with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.

Enjoy a homemade pizza night with this easy-to-make, overnight pizza dough recipe, and impress your guests with your culinary skills!