Pizza Dough Recipe with Greek Yogurt – A Lighter, Faster Way to Make Pizza at Home
There are days when I’m in the mood for a long, slow-rising Italian pizza dough, and then there are days when I want pizza right now. No waiting, no fussing with yeast, no “come back in 24 hours” situation. Just me, some simple ingredients, and an oven ready to make magic happen.
That’s where this pizza dough recipe with Greek yogurt comes in. It’s quick. It’s light. It has a subtle tang that reminds me of the rustic flatbreads you’ll find in little trattorias across Italy. And here’s the best part: you only need two or three ingredients to make it happen.
Yes, really.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step method for making Greek yogurt pizza dough, share the exact ingredient ratios, and give you all my best tips to make it foolproof. By the end, you’ll have a pizza crust that’s soft in the middle, crisp on the edges, and full of that crave-worthy flavor that makes homemade pizza unbeatable.
Why Greek Yogurt Works in Pizza Dough
If you’re used to traditional pizza dough recipes, this might sound a little… unusual. But Greek yogurt is a genius shortcut.
- It adds protein and richness.
- It keeps the dough moist and tender, even without yeast.
- It has a natural tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs.
- It makes the process so much faster—no proofing, no waiting.
Think of it as a lighter cousin of the classic Italian dough. While it may not replace a long-fermented Neapolitan crust, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when the pizza craving hits hard.
Ingredients for Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough
Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple recipe.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups (190g) | You can also use bread flour for extra chew. |
| Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened) | 1 cup (245g) | Whole milk Greek yogurt works best for richness. |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | Helps the dough rise in the oven. |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Essential for flavor. |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp (optional) | For extra softness and flavor. |
Optional: You can add dried oregano, garlic powder, or even a pinch of chili flakes to the dough for an herby kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’re adding herbs or spices, toss them in at this stage.
2. Add the Greek Yogurt
Scoop in the Greek yogurt and use a spatula or your hands to bring the mixture together. At first, it will look shaggy and messy—that’s exactly right.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3–4 minutes until it comes together into a smooth ball. Don’t worry if it feels slightly sticky; just dust with a little more flour as needed.
4. Rest (Optional, but Recommended)
This dough doesn’t technically need to rest, but if you give it 10 minutes covered with a towel, it will relax and roll out more easily.
5. Shape the Crust
Use a rolling pin (or your hands, if you love rustic edges) to roll the dough into a circle or rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Transfer it to a lightly oiled pizza pan, baking sheet, or cast iron skillet.
6. Pre-Bake the Dough
This step is my secret weapon. Bake the crust without toppings for 5–7 minutes at 220°C (425°F). This ensures a crisp bottom that won’t get soggy once you add sauce and cheese.
7. Add Toppings
Spread on your favorite tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, pepperoni, roasted veggies, or whatever makes you happy.
8. Bake Until Golden
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
Slice, inhale that heavenly aroma, and enjoy.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough
- Use thick yogurt. If your yogurt is watery, strain it through cheesecloth for 30 minutes before mixing. Too much liquid makes sticky dough.
- Don’t over-knead. This isn’t a yeasted dough. A few minutes of kneading is enough to bring it together.
- Pre-bake the crust. It really makes a difference in texture.
- Experiment with flours. Whole wheat flour adds nuttiness, self-rising flour skips the need for baking powder, and bread flour gives more chew.
- Make it ahead. You can refrigerate the dough (wrapped tightly) for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temp before rolling.
- Use a hot oven. Pizza loves high heat. Don’t be shy—220°C (425°F) or even 250°C (480°F) works beautifully.
Creative Variations
One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun twists:
- Garlic Herb Crust – Add garlic powder, oregano, and rosemary to the dough.
- Cheesy Crust – Mix in ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Flatbread Style – Roll thinner and cook on a hot skillet for quick stovetop pizzas.
- Mini Pizzas – Divide the dough into 4 portions and let everyone make their own personal pizza. Perfect for family pizza night!
FAQs About Pizza Dough with Greek Yogurt
Q: Can I make this dough gluten-free?
Yes! Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different, but still tasty.
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
You can, but strain it first. Greek yogurt is thicker and gives better structure.
Q: Do I need yeast for this recipe?
Nope! That’s the beauty of it. Baking powder does the lifting.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes—wrap tightly in plastic and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then roll and bake.
Q: How does this compare to traditional Italian pizza dough?
Traditional dough has that incredible chew from yeast fermentation. This version is more like a quick, rustic flatbread crust. Different, but equally delicious in its own right.
Final Thoughts
Making pizza at home doesn’t always have to mean hours of waiting and planning ahead. With this pizza dough recipe with Greek yogurt, you can go from craving to eating in under 30 minutes.
It’s lighter, tangy, and unbelievably satisfying. I’ve made this for countless weeknight dinners, lazy Sunday lunches, and even impromptu parties when friends drop by. Every single time, it disappears faster than I expect.
So next time you’re thinking, “I want pizza, but I don’t want to wait,” remember this recipe. A bowl of flour, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, and a hot oven—that’s all it takes to create something truly delicious.
Go ahead. Roll it out, top it with whatever you love, and take that first crunchy, cheesy bite. Trust me—you’ll be hooked. 🍕
See Also: Overnight Pizza Dough Recipe – Authentic Italian Flavor Made Easy
