A True Italian Medium Crust for a 14 Inch Pizza
Most home cooks do not realize how important dough weight is when making pizza.
If your pizza sometimes turns out too thin too thick or uneven the reason is almost always incorrect dough weight.
For a 14 inch pizza with a medium crust the correct dough ball weight is:
290 grams to 310 grams
Most professional pizza chefs use 300 grams as the perfect number.
This creates the ideal texture.
You get a medium thickness with a soft interior a lightly crisp bottom perfect chew and a crust that bakes evenly.
If the dough weight is lower the pizza becomes thin and cracker like.
If the dough weight is higher the pizza becomes thick and bready.
Below is my perfected recipe for a 14 inch medium crust pizza that I have used for many years.
It always stretches beautifully and bakes into a flavorful rustic Italian crust.
Ingredients for One 14 Inch Medium Crust Pizza Base
This dough recipe makes one dough ball of approximately 300 grams which is ideal for a 14 inch medium crust.
Ingredient Table
Flour Type 00 or Bread Flour 180 grams
All Purpose Flour 70 grams
Warm Water 105 F 130 grams
Instant Yeast 3 grams
Sugar 5 grams
Salt 6 grams
Olive Oil 10 grams
Total dough weight approximately 300 grams.
Step by Step Method
Step 1 Activate the Yeast
In a bowl combine warm water sugar and instant yeast.
Stir and let sit for five minutes until it becomes foamy.
The warm yeasty aroma tells you the yeast is alive and ready.
Step 2 Mix the Flours
In a large bowl combine the 00 flour all purpose flour and salt.
Mix well.
Using two flours gives the ideal balance.
00 flour adds elasticity while all purpose flour adds softness.
Step 3 Add Wet Ingredients
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture.
Add olive oil.
Mix with a spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
It will look shaggy at first which is completely normal.
Step 4 Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
Knead for eight to ten minutes using the push fold and turn method.
The dough will transform from sticky to soft smooth and elastic.
If it becomes too sticky dust your hands lightly with flour.
Do not add too much flour because this makes the crust dense.
Step 5 First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
Let rise for one to one and a half hours.
The dough should double in size and feel airy when pressed gently.
Step 6 Weigh the Dough
Weigh the dough using a kitchen scale and cut a 300 gram dough ball.
This is the perfect dough weight for a 14 inch medium crust pizza.
Shape the dough into a smooth ball and let rest for ten minutes.
This rest period relaxes the gluten so the dough stretches easily.
Step 7 Shape the Pizza Base
Dust the counter lightly with flour.
Place the dough ball on it and begin gently pressing from the center outward.
Lift the dough with both hands and stretch it slowly allowing gravity to help.
Avoid using a rolling pin which destroys the natural air bubbles that make the crust airy.
Shape the dough to a full 14 inch circle with a slightly raised edge.
Step 8 Add Sauce and Toppings
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil.
This prevents the sauce from soaking in.
Add your favorite toppings such as tomato sauce mozzarella basil vegetables or meat.
This dough supports all topping styles including classic Italian white pizza and vegetable pizza.
Step 9 Bake
Preheat the oven to 475 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place a pizza stone or an upside down baking tray inside to heat.
Slide the pizza onto the hot surface and bake for eight to twelve minutes.
Your pizza is ready when
The crust is golden
The cheese melts and bubbles
The bottom is crisp and browned
The aroma of baked flour toasted edges and melted cheese fills the kitchen instantly.
Why Dough Weight Matters for a 14 Inch Pizza
Correct dough weight ensures
Even baking
Correct crust thickness
Better structure and chew
Authentic Italian texture
A perfect fit on your baking stone or tray
Once you start weighing dough every pizza becomes consistent and beautifully shaped.
Dough Weight Guide for Different Pizza Styles
For a 14 inch pizza
Thin crust 230 to 250 grams
Medium crust 290 to 310 grams
Thick crust 330 to 360 grams
Deep dish 400 to 450 grams
Other sizes
12 inch medium crust 240 grams
10 inch medium crust 180 grams
16 inch medium crust 380 grams
These weights match professional pizzeria standards.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Medium Crust
Use slightly sticky dough for softness
Let the dough rest before stretching
Always weigh your dough ball
Use high protein flour for strength
Preheat the oven and stone properly
Do not overload toppings
Brush the crust with olive oil for color
Cold ferment overnight for deeper flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dough weight for a 14 inch pizza
Three hundred grams is ideal for a medium crust.
Can I make the dough ahead of time
Yes refrigerate the dough for up to forty eight hours.
The flavor improves.
What flour is best
00 flour is ideal but bread flour also works well.
Can I freeze the dough
Yes freeze after the first rise.
Why is my pizza dense
You may have added too much flour or kneaded too little.
Should the dough warm up before stretching
Yes let it rest twenty to thirty minutes after refrigeration.
What hydration level is best
Sixty five percent hydration is ideal for this crust.
Final Thoughts
Once you master the correct 14 inch pizza dough weight you unlock the world of perfect pizza baking.
This 300 gram medium crust recipe gives the exact balance of softness chew and crispness that makes Italian pizza unforgettable.
The dough stretches easily browns beautifully and tastes incredible every time.
Whether you top it with simple mozzarella and basil or build a fully loaded pizza this crust supports everything with strength and flavor.
With this recipe your pizza nights will always be consistent reliable and delicious.
Buon appetito and enjoy your perfect 14 inch pizza made with true Italian passion.
See Also: Whole Wheat Pizza Base Recipe | Healthy Homemade Italian Pizza Crust
