Pizza Dough Recipe Easy No Yeast: Quick, Chewy & Full of Flavor
If you’ve ever had that sudden pizza craving but realized you’re completely out of yeast, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. This pizza dough recipe easy no yeast is my tried-and-true method for whipping up a soft, chewy, golden crust without waiting hours for dough to rise. Honestly, it has saved countless weeknights in my kitchen when I wanted pizza now, not three hours from now.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or special equipment. Just a mixing bowl, a rolling pin (or wine bottle if you’re like me and improvise), and your favorite toppings. What you’ll get is a crust that’s slightly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s not traditional Neapolitan-style with the slow fermentation and bubbling crust—but it’s absolutely delicious, comforting, and ridiculously easy.
Whether you’re making pizza for the kids, a last-minute date night, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will be your new go-to. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the simple lineup. No yeast, no fuss, no waiting.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (250g) |
| Baking powder | 2 ½ teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Warm water | ¾ cup (180ml) |
| Sugar (optional) | ½ teaspoon (balances flavor) |
👉 Tip: I like to add just a drizzle more olive oil into the dough than most recipes call for. It gives the crust a richer flavor and helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dough is wonderfully forgiving. Even if you’ve never made pizza before, you’ll nail it on the first try.
1. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This quick step ensures the baking powder (our yeast replacement) gets evenly distributed.
2. Add wet ingredients
Pour in the olive oil and warm water. I always recommend adding the water gradually—you might not need the full amount, depending on the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 3–4 minutes, just until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t overwork it—you’re not building gluten for a rustic bread, just creating a soft, workable pizza base.
4. Rest the dough (optional but helpful)
If you’ve got 10–15 minutes to spare, let the dough rest under a clean towel. This makes rolling it out easier, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step.
5. Shape the crust
Divide the dough into two for thinner pizzas, or keep it whole for one thicker crust. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired shape—round, square, rustic—it’s all good.
6. Prebake the crust
This is my secret trick: bake the plain crust at 220°C (425°F) for about 5–7 minutes before adding toppings. It helps prevent sogginess and gives the base that golden bite.
7. Add toppings & bake again
Spread your favorite sauce, sprinkle cheese, pile on veggies, or go classic with mozzarella and pepperoni. Bake for another 10–12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp.
Why This No-Yeast Dough Works
Traditional pizza relies on yeast for that airy, chewy rise. But here, baking powder does the heavy lifting. It creates little bubbles that give the dough lightness, while olive oil keeps it tender.
The flavor might be slightly different from a 24-hour fermented dough, but trust me—it’s still incredibly satisfying. I’ve served this to Italian friends, and they couldn’t believe it had no yeast.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect No-Yeast Pizza Dough
Here are the small touches that make a big difference:
- Use bread flour for extra chew. All-purpose works beautifully, but if you’ve got bread flour, try it—you’ll love the texture.
- Don’t skip the prebake. This step keeps your pizza from turning soggy under sauce and cheese.
- Add herbs into the dough. A teaspoon of dried oregano, basil, or garlic powder mixed right into the flour makes the crust extra flavorful.
- Roll thin for crisp, leave thicker for chewy. This dough is versatile—you can go either way depending on your mood.
- Hot oven = best results. Pizza loves high heat. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Variations to Try
This base recipe is just the beginning. Once you master it, play around with these ideas:
- Garlic butter crust: Brush melted garlic butter on the edges before baking.
- Whole wheat version: Swap half the flour with whole wheat for a nutty flavor.
- Cheese-stuffed edges: Roll mozzarella sticks into the crust for an indulgent twist.
- Flatbread style: Roll super thin and cook in a skillet for stovetop pizza.
FAQs About No-Yeast Pizza Dough
1. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and knead the dough, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling.
2. Does no-yeast dough taste like regular pizza dough?
It’s slightly different—more like a cross between classic pizza and flatbread. But with good sauce and cheese, the difference is barely noticeable.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Wrap portions in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
4. What’s the best sauce for this quick crust?
I love a simple marinara with garlic and olive oil, but this crust holds up to creamy sauces and even barbecue sauce for chicken pizza.
5. How thin should I roll the dough?
That’s totally up to you. For crispy pizza, roll it thin. For chewy, leave it thicker. Both work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever thought homemade pizza was too much trouble, this pizza dough recipe easy no yeast will change your mind. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients, yeast packets, or hours of rising to enjoy pizza at home.
The dough comes together in minutes, bakes into a golden, flavorful crust, and delivers pure comfort in every bite. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that once you try, you’ll make again and again.
So the next time a pizza craving hits and there’s no yeast in sight, don’t panic. Just grab some flour, baking powder, olive oil, and water—you’ll have pizza on the table before the delivery guy could even ring the bell.
Now, go preheat that oven and get ready to make one of the easiest, most satisfying pizzas of your life. Buon appetito! 🍕
See Also: Easy Pizza Dough No Yeast Recipe | Quick & Homemade Italian-Style Crust
