Make Ahead Pizza Dough is an easy, no-fuss way to keep homemade pizza within reach any night of the week. This dough is mixed once, stored in the fridge, and ready whenever pizza night calls.
I love recipes like this that work with real life. It reminds me of the kind of kitchen rhythm I grew up with - simple planning, familiar ingredients, and food that brings everyone around the table.
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Why You'll Love Make Ahead Pizza Dough
Make ahead ease: you can mix the dough days ahead and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to bake.
Family friendly: one batch makes one large pizza or several personal pizzas, perfect for family pizza night.
No kneading: time does the work for you, giving the dough structure and flavor without extra effort.
Key Ingredients for No Knead Pizza Dough
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Lukewarm water activates the yeast and creates a soft, workable dough.
- Granulated yeast gives the dough its rise and airy texture.
- Olive oil adds flavor and helps create a tender crust.
- All-purpose flour keeps the dough versatile and easy to work with for home cooks.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use instant yeast instead of granulated yeast with the same measurement.
- Swap bread flour for all-purpose flour for a slightly chewier crust.
- Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a neutral-flavored alternative.
Variations on Make Ahead Pizza Dough
Whole wheat blend: replace up to one-third of the flour with whole wheat flour for added texture.
Garlic infused: stir garlic powder or roasted garlic into the dough for extra flavor.
Herb crust: mix dried Italian herbs into the dough for a seasoned base that pairs well with simple toppings.
Tips for the Best Refrigerator Pizza Dough
- Cold dough is easier to handle and develops better flavor, so refrigerating ahead is recommended.
- If baking the same day, chill the dough for at least a few hours before shaping.
- Expect the dough to be slightly sticky; extra flour during shaping is normal and helpful.
How to Store
Store the dough in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 12 days.
Serving Suggestions for Family Pizza Night
This make ahead pizza dough works beautifully for build-your-own pizza night with a mix of sauces, cheese, and toppings. Pair it with homemade pasta sauce or easy homemade Alfredo sauce and serve alongside Garlic Parmesan Wings or Air Fryer Boneless Wings.
More Recipes You'll Love
If homemade pizza is a favorite, you might also enjoy my Air Fryer Garlic Knots, crispy Deep Fried Pizza Rolls, a hearty Ground Beef Pizza, or this Meat Lovers Skillet Pizza.
I'd love to see your pizza night in action! if you try this dough, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
📖 Recipe
Olive Oil Pizza Dough
Equipment
- Lidded storage container
- Baking peel
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Ingredients
- 2¾ cups lukewarm water
- 1½ tablespoon active yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the water, yeast, salt, sugar, and olive oil. Stir briefly to combine.
- Add the flour 1 cup at a time and mix until incorporated and no dry spots remain.
- Cover loosely and let the dough rest at room temperature for about 2 hours, until risen and the top begins to flatten.
- Transfer the dough to a lidded container (not airtight) and refrigerate. Use anytime over the next 12 days.
- Preheat the oven with a pizza stone inside to 500℉.
- Remove a portion of the dough for one pizza. This recipe makes one large pizza or 4-6 personal size pizzas.
- On a floured surface, gently stretch the dough, adding the flour as needed.
- Top as desired and bake on the hot stone for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp.
Shelby says
Anonymous - I would go with 4 large pizzas. 1-lb loaf for each pizza.
Anonymous says
Yum! Looks great. I do have one question; how many large pizzas (thin crust) do you think this would make? Thanks for the recipe!
averagebetty says
I'm going to have to try this. Never made pizza dough... Honey, you inspire! Your pizza looks -slurp, drool- delicious!
Di says
Yum. Gorgeous job on the pizza! I love making homemade pizza--we do it about once a week. I agree with cutting back the salt a bit in the ABin5 doughs--I usually use 4 teaspoons, which isn't a big difference, but I like it better. Also, are you using kosher salt (I know that's what the book calls for, but your recipe didn't specify)? If you're using regular salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons would definitely be way too salty.
Holly says
Since the DB challenge, I have been making pizza like crazy! I've tried this crust too, but I much prefer the Reinhart recipe. Though I'll agree that the convenience of having this dough in the fridge just waiting to be used is very nice.
Alyson's Wonderland says
Yummy!!
JMom says
I too am impressed with Mike's pizza tossing prowess 🙂 Last time I tried that, it totally missed my hand and ended up on the floor!
Your pizza is not bad looking either! It's scrumptious looking, in fact 🙂
Reeni♥ says
This looks great, HoneyB! The crust looks nice and tender!
Pam says
The olive oil dough sounds good and your pizza looks terrific. I am craving a big slice right now.
Bellini Valli says
The pizza dough looks amazing HoneyB. I hope Grumpy was OK with the veggie version of pizza:D
Elyse says
Mmm, olive oil dough sounds AMAZING. I love love love pizza, and yours is looking mighty good to me right now. No matter that I just ate dinner...I'm always hungry for pizza. It's so cool that facebook allowed you to reconnect with Mike (and to take advantage of his pizza-making, too)!
KPAR Community Event Center says
Hey Shelby,
Thanks for allowing me to be part of such a great blog! Your pizza looks great. After originally being from NY and now living in North Dakota, I just HAD to find a way to make a good pie. Thanks for posting the shots of me making pizza. What a great little "foodie" spot you hve here!
Your Buddy Mike says
Hey, this is Mike. Shelby, you sure made me look good. LOL I LOVE pizza, and yours looks REALLY good! Kudos on such a great blog Shelby!
the happy couple says
not sure i can manage the throwing, but looks fun!
Linda says
I could never throw the dough like that. Worthy of the "Hey Mambo Italiano" pizza commercial!! I love thin crust NYC style pizza and yours looks great.
Flourchild says
Wonderful looking pizza. Mike does a good job tossing that crust up in the air. I want pizza now!
Ingrid says
Just last night I was reading ABin5to make my own pizza dough. Yours look GREAT. (love the shot of Mike tossing the dough) I'm going to get over my fear and just do it!
~ingrid