No Rise Pizza Dough Recipe: Pizza Night in Under an Hour!

Craving a homemade pizza but don’t have hours to wait for the dough to rise? This no-rise pizza dough recipe is your answer! Forget about lengthy proofing times; this recipe delivers a delicious, crispy-crusted pizza in under an hour, from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever that pizza craving hits hard. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade pizza that tastes like it came straight from your favorite pizzeria, without the fuss!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe skips the traditional yeast-based rise by relying on a clever combination of ingredients and techniques. Here’s why it works so well:

• Quick Activation: We use instant yeast, which doesn’t require proofing before being added to the dry ingredients. This saves valuable time.
• Proper Hydration: The right ratio of water to flour is crucial for creating a pliable and easy-to-work-with dough, even without a rise.
• Kneading Technique: Thorough kneading develops the gluten, which provides structure and chewiness to the crust, even in the absence of a long rise.
• Hot Oven: Baking the pizza at a high temperature (450-500°F) ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
3. Mix the Dough: Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. Rest the Dough (Optional): For a slightly more relaxed dough, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step isn’t essential but can make the dough easier to roll out.
6. Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone/Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450-500°F (232-260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Placing the stone or sheet in the oven while it preheats will ensure a crispy crust.
7. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough in half (or into quarters for smaller pizzas).
8. Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch out one portion of the dough to your desired size and shape. For a round pizza, start by pressing the center and working your way outwards, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
9. Transfer to Baking Sheet/Stone: Carefully transfer the shaped dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour (if using a pizza stone) or directly onto the preheated baking sheet.
10. Add Toppings: Spread your favorite pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Add your desired toppings, such as cheese, vegetables, and meats.
11. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Tips for Success

• Use Warm Water: Warm water (around 110°F) helps activate the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Over-kneading can result in a tough crust. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Adjust Flour as Needed: The amount of flour needed can vary depending on humidity. Add flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky.
• Preheat Your Baking Surface: Preheating a pizza stone or baking sheet is essential for a crispy crust.
• Use Cornmeal or Flour for Transfer: Dusting your pizza peel with cornmeal or flour helps prevent the dough from sticking and makes it easier to slide the pizza onto the hot stone or sheet.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces, cheeses, vegetables, and meats to create your own signature pizza.
• Consider a Pizza Steel: For even crispier results, consider using a pizza steel instead of a pizza stone. Pizza steels retain heat better and can produce a restaurant-quality crust.

Storage Instructions

• Unbaked Dough: The unbaked dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.
• Baked Pizza: Leftover baked pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or skillet until warmed through. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispness.

FAQ

Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A: Yes, you can use bread flour. It will result in a slightly chewier crust.

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to proof the active dry yeast first. Dissolve it in the warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the dry ingredients.

Q: My dough is too sticky. What should I do?

A: Add flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky and is easy to handle.

Q: My crust is not crispy enough. What can I do?

A: Make sure your oven and baking surface are preheated to a high temperature. You can also try baking the pizza on the bottom rack of the oven for the last few minutes of baking.

Q: Can I freeze this dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze the dough. Divide it into portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Conclusion

This no-rise pizza dough recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade pizza but doesn’t have the time for traditional dough-making methods. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy-crusted pizza in under an hour. So, ditch the takeout and get ready to create your own pizza masterpiece tonight!