If you’re looking to craft the perfect pizza at home, Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe is your go-to!
This recipe requires only a few basic ingredients like bread flour, instant yeast, and olive oil, which makes it super simple to follow.
I love how the dough can be used for both baking and grilling – offering versatility in your pizza-making adventures.
One key trick to remember is to let your dough rest for at least an hour; it makes it so much easier to stretch and shape.
The resulting crust is wonderfully crispy on the outside but chewy in the middle, striking the perfect balance every time.
How to Make Bobby Flay Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bread Flour
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 package Dry Yeast
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.
Mix on low speed to blend the ingredients.
Step 2:
Gradually add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil while the mixer is running.
Continue mixing until the mixture forms a ball.
Step 3:
Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes.
The dough should be smooth and elastic.
Step 4:
Lightly oil the sides and bottom of a large bowl with more olive oil.
Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat in the oil.
Step 5:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 6:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
Divide the dough into portions if making more than one pizza and roll out as needed.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Warm Water Temperature
Make sure your water is warm but not too hot.
The ideal temperature is around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
Checking Dough Consistency
If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
If it feels too dry, you can incorporate a bit more water, again one tablespoon at a time.
Proper Rising Environment
Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free area to help the dough rise effectively.
You can also put the bowl in an oven that is off but with the light on for additional warmth.
Storing Extra Dough
You can freeze any unused dough for later use.
Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Flouring the Surface
Lightly sprinkle flour on your working surface before kneading the dough to prevent sticking.
Don’t overdo it, as too much flour can toughen the dough.
What to Serve with Bobby Flay Pizza Dough Recipe
Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad is always a wonderful companion to pizza.
With your Bobby Flay pizza dough, toss together some mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and parmesan cheese is another classic option.
Bruschetta
Prepare some fresh bruschetta using ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil on toasted baguette slices.
The flavors will complement the pizza beautifully.
Grilled Vegetables
A medley of grilled vegetables adds a colorful and nutritious touch to your meal.
Try bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant drizzled with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots made from leftover pizza dough are a delightful addition.
Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley for an authentic touch.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a fun and easy side dish.
Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil onto skewers, and drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze.
Enjoy these delicious sides with your homemade pizza!
Variations and Substitutions
Experimenting with different types of flour can yield unique results!
Using whole wheat flour instead of bread flour adds a nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional value of the dough.
For those needing gluten-free options, a mixture of gluten-free all-purpose flour and xanthan gum works well.
Adding herbs such as dried oregano or basil to the dough can infuse it with more flavor.
Simply mix the herbs into the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.
Dairy-Free Option
Replace the olive oil with an equal amount of a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
You can also skip the oil entirely for a leaner dough.
Hydration Swaps
If you want a slightly richer flavor, try substituting milk or a plant-based milk alternative for water.
Make sure to warm the milk to the same temperature as the water to properly activate the yeast.
Sweet and Savory Changes
Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a unique sweetness.
For a savory twist, mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the dry ingredients.
These small changes can personalize the dough to your taste preferences!
Experiment with them to find what you like best!
How to Store Leftover Bobby Flay Pizza Dough
Refrigeration
After making Bobby Flay’s pizza dough, you might have leftovers.
Place the dough in an airtight container.
Lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, the freezer is your best bet.
Divide the dough into balls.
Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap.
Store in a resealable freezer bag.
The dough can be kept for up to 3 months.
Bringing Dough Back to Room Temperature
When you’re ready to use the dough, remove it from the fridge or freezer.
Let it come to room temperature before using.
For refrigerated dough, this takes about 30 minutes.
For frozen dough, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then let it sit at room temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to get the perfect dough.
Using Cold Water
You may be tempted to use cold water, but it’s crucial to use warm water.
Cold water won’t activate the yeast properly, leading to a dough that doesn’t rise well.
Aim for water that’s warm but not hot.
Overflouring the Dough
It’s easy to be heavy-handed with flour when the dough feels sticky.
Adding too much flour can make the dough too dense and dry.
If you need to work with sticky dough, lightly flour your hands and the surface instead.
Not Letting the Dough Rise Enough
Patience is key here!
If you don’t let the dough rise until it’s doubled in size, it’ll lack that lovely airy texture.
Find a warm, draft-free spot and let the dough work its magic.
Bobby Flay Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bread Flour
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 package Dry Yeast
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Mix on low speed to blend the ingredients.
- Gradually add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil while the mixer is running.
- Continue mixing until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes.
- The dough should be smooth and elastic.
- Lightly oil the sides and bottom of a large bowl with more olive oil.
- Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat in the oil.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into portions if making more than one pizza and roll out as needed.