Homemade thin pizza crust recipe
The key to an outstanding pizza lies in the crust, and with this thin pizza crust recipe, you can craft your own masterpiece! Incredibly tasty, this homemade pizza dough achieves a crispy texture, offers the flexibility to be rolled out super thin or thick if desired, and is surprisingly simple to create!
Thin pizza crust recipes are what my family and I look for in pizza places because we’re quite picky about the crust, even though we don’t eat out very often. We prefer our pizza with an ultra-thin crust and place significant emphasis on the quality of specific toppings. But we do favor homemade pizza crust. It tastes way better and we love the amazing smell that spreads all around the house! We decided to give the homemade dough a try and we came up with this crazy easy to make, and crispy thin pizza crust recipe.
What you’ll love most about this thin crust pizza dough is that it doesn’t need lots of time to make! It comes together in just a few minutes, and doesn’t need time to rise so pizza is ready in no time, whenever you feel like serving one. And the fact that you get to use your favorite ingredients is a great bonus.
We prefer a crispy pizza crust because we love crunchy food, the crunchier the better. The way we make it is in fact super thin and super crunchy. But what makes this recipe super awesome is that you can make the crust thick if that’s your kind of pizza dough. Use this easy pizza dough recipe to prepare the crust and then simply roll your dough out a little thicker. It will rise beautifully in the oven!
How to make thin pizza crust recipe
Ingredients you’ll need
To make this thin pizza crust recipe I used just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, just like myself:
- All purpose flour: I first sifted the flour to make sure I get a smooth dough free of lumps.
- Active dry yeast: You can use instant yeast as well. It will work just fine, but you’ll need a bit less since it has more rising power than active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, reduce the amount used by 25%. You can also replace it with fresh yeast if dry yeast is not available; you just need to double the amount.
- Salt: I used fine salt so it would dissolve easily.
- Olive oil: It adds flavor and helps create a crispy crust.
Substitutes
If you prefer to avoid using olive oil, you can substitute it with vegetable or canola oil. Or if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use coconut oil.
Equipment needed
- Mixing bowl: This is where you’ll mix all the ingredients to make a smooth dough.
- A whisk: To help you mix the dry ingredients.
- Rolling pin: You’ll use it to roll out the dough into the desired thickness.
- Baking sheet or pizza pan: This is where your finished pizza will be baked.
Instructions
This recipe makes 4 very thin crusts or 1 thick crust, for 2 people.
- I mixed the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Then I added the wet ingredients and mixed well.
- I followed with a little bit of kneading until the ingredients were fully combined and my dough was stretchy and elastic. I cut the dough into 4 dough balls.
- Then I floured the table and rolled 1/4 of the dough out with a rolling pin until it was super thin.
- I carefully transferred it to a pizza pan and added our favorite ingredients. To make the transfer easier you can roll out the pizza dough onto parchment or baking paper.
- Depending on the toppings, a pizza made with my crust recipe should be baked between 15 and 20 minutes, at about 400-420 F.
Quick tip: if you want extra crispy crust, bake the naked rolled out dough in the oven for about 10 minutes. Then add the sauce and the toppings and bake until the cheese is melted (if using cheese) or for 10 more minutes
Tips for the perfect thin pizza crust every time!
- Use all purpose flour:  This is the most common type of flour and it works perfectly for thin pizza crust.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough will make it tough and chewy, so mix it just enough to combine all the ingredients.
- Roll the dough out thin: If you want a thin crust pizza, roll the dough out thin. You can use a rolling pin or your hands.
- Bake the pizza at a high temperature: This is what will make your crust crispy.
- Add warm water: This will help the yeast to activate and rise the dough faster.
- Dust a little more flour: If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s not sticky anymore.
- Use a little less oil: If you use too much oil your dough will be too greasy and won’t cook properly.
- Preheat your oven: This will help the pizza to cook evenly.
- Bake the pizza on a pizza pan: This will give you a crispy crust. These pans are designed with small holes in the bottom to help air circulate and prevent soggy crust.
- Let the pizza cool a little before slicing: This will help the cheese set and not slide everywhere when you slice it.
Recipe variations:
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier pizza crust.
- Add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor. Oregano and basil are great options for pizza,
- Use a different type of oil, such as canola oil or coconut oil.
- Add garlic powder or onion powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- Use self rising flour for a quicker and fluffier pizza dough.
- Add cheese or other toppings to the dough before baking.
- Substitute water with milk for a richer dough with added protein.
- Roll the dough out on a sheet of parchment paper for an even thinner crust.
What to make with thin crust pizza dough
This dough works wonders for a variety of dishes, not just traditional pizza! Here are some ideas:
- Dessert pizza with Nutella, strawberries and whipped cream.
- BBQ chicken pizza with BBQ sauce, chicken, red onions and cilantro.
- Breakfast pizza with eggs and ham
- Vegetarian hummus and feta pizza
- Philly cheese steak pizza with steak, onions, peppers and cheese.
- Mushroom pizza with mushrooms, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- White pizza with Alfredo sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Garlic bread pizza with garlic butter, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Just spread the garlic butter on the rolled out dough, top with cheese and bake!
- Italian sausage pizza with Italian sausage, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Frequently asked questions
Why thin pizza crust is the best kind of pizza crust?
The answer is in the texture. A thin pizza crust has a crispier texture, it’s not as chewy as a thicker one and it’s also crunchier. It’s easier to eat too because you can actually pick up a slice without having to fold it first.
A lot of people think that a thin pizza crust is harder to make but it’s actually quite easy, especially if you follow a good recipe. What’s important is to not overwork or undercook the dough, and to use the right flour.
What are the benefits of a homemade thin pizza crust recipe?
- you get to choose your own ingredients, so it can be as healthy (or unhealthy lol) as you want
- you get to make a large pizza, enough for a few people
- it’s cheaper than buying a pizza from a pizzeria
- the smell of fresh pizza baking in the oven is absolutely amazing!
- the crust is crispy and thin, just the way you like it!
How to make thin crust pizza dough in a bread machine?
Making this pizza crust recipe in the bread machine is juts as easy as making it by hand:
- Add all of the ingredients to the bread machine in the order listed. Set the bread machine to the dough/bread setting and start it.
- When the dough is done, turn it out onto a floured surface and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Continue with rolling the dough and making the pizza with your favorite toppings, using the cooking instructions in the recipe card.
- You can also make this recipe using a stand mixer equipped with the bread paddle.
What is the best way to cook a thin crust pizza recipe?
For the best results, cook your thin pizza crust in a hot oven (400-420 degrees F) on a preheated baking stone or baking sheet. This will help to create a crispy crust. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can you make this thin crust pizza dough into a deep dish pizza?
No, this thin crust pizza dough recipe is not meant for deep dish pizzas. For a deep dish pizza, you will need a different type of dough recipe.
What are some good toppings for a thin pizza crust?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to pizza toppings! Some of our favorites include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, cheese, tomatoes, spinach, pineapple, ham, chicken, beef, bacon
What are some good pizza topping combinations?
There are countless recipes when it comes to combining pizza toppings. Some of our favorite pizza topping combinations include:
Vegetarian options
- Cheese, tomato, and basil
- Mushroom, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese
- White pizza with Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese
- Garlic bread pizza with garlic butter, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese
- Vegetarian pizza with mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives
- Margherita pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil leaves
Meat lover options:
- Sausage, mushroom, and onion
- Pepperoni, cheese, and mushroom
- Barbecue chicken, red onion, and cilantro
- Philly cheese steak, onions, peppers, and cheese
- Italian sausage, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese
- Simple cheese and pepperoni pizza
- Hawaiian pizza with pineapple, ham, onion and cheese
- Buffalo chicken pizza with chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese
- Meat lovers pizza with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, beef, onion and mozzarella
- Pesto pizza with chicken, pesto sauce, and mozzarella cheese
What kind of pizza sauce should I use for a thin pizza crust?
There are lots of different types of pizza sauce available in the grocery store. You can use your favorite type of pizza sauce:
- Taco pizza sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Pizza sauce with herbs
- White Alfredo sauce
- Spicy pizza sauce
- Pizza sauce with cheese
Or you could make your own sauce. Just mix together tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and favorite herbs to create a quick and delicious homemade pizza sauce. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect sauce for thin crust pizza. No matter what type of pizza sauce you use, I’m sure it will be delicious!
Storing the prepared dough
This thin crust pizza dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just place it in a zip lock bag, plastic wrap or a container and make sure that it is well-sealed. When you are ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and then proceed with the recipe instructions.
You can also store this dough in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just place it in a zip lock bag or container and make sure that it is well-sealed. When you are ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then proceed with the recipe instructions.
More pizza crust ideas you will enjoy
- Low carb cauliflower pizza crust
- No knead pizza dough
- 30 minute pizza dough
- Bread machine pizza dough
- Graham cracker pizza dough
So if you’ve been looking for an amazing thin pizza crust recipe, you’ve just found it! This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Give it a try today and see for yourself how good this thin pizza crust recipe can be! Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! Happy baking!
Thin pizza crust recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 0.25 oz dry yeast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
Equipment
- flour sifter
- rolling pin
- pizza pan
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven at 400F
- Mix flour with yeast and salt. Make a hollow in the middle, pour oil and water (photo #1).
- Knead until the dough is elastic (photo #2 and #3). Add a few more drops of water if needed to get the elastic texture.
- Dust the counter top with flour (photo #4)
- Roll the dough out with a rolling pin until you're happy with how thin it is (photo #5 and #6)
- Add your choice of topping and bake for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition
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ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…