How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough Soft: Expert Tips and Best Recipes

November 11, 2025
Written By handykitchen

Making soft homemade pizza dough is easier than you think. The key lies in simple ingredients and the right techniques.

Soft pizza dough creates a tender, chewy crust that everyone loves. It starts with using the correct flour, water, and yeast amounts. Mixing and kneading the dough just enough helps develop gluten without making it tough. Letting the dough rest and rise properly allows it to become airy and soft.

Using warm water and a bit of oil also improves texture. Avoid overworking the dough, which can make it dense. Following these steps leads to pizza dough that bakes soft and delicious every time. With practice, you can enjoy fresh, soft homemade pizzas just like your favorite pizzeria.

Your Daily Homemade Bread

Your Daily Homemade Bread: Easy Stand Mixer Bread Recipes: Best Basics

The book “Your Daily Homemade Bread: Easy Stand Mixer Bread Recipes: Best Basics” is perfect for beginners and home bakers who are looking to craft their own delicious bread without any hassle. If you enjoy freshly baked bread but often feel intimidated by the baking process, this book is designed for you. With easy-to-follow recipes, it simplifies the art of bread making, allowing anyone to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade loaves.

Pros:

  • Simple and clear instructions for beginners.
  • Utilizes a stand mixer, making the process less labor-intensive.
  • Offers a variety of recipes, ensuring there’s something for every taste.

Cons:

  • Limited to basic bread recipes; not for advanced bakers.
  • The book is relatively short with 72 pages, which might leave some wanting more.

The standout feature of this book is its focus on using a stand mixer to ease the bread-making process. This is particularly beneficial for those who may have physical limitations or simply prefer a less labor-intensive method. By removing the need for extensive kneading by hand, bakers can enjoy more consistent results with less effort. Additionally, the recipes are straightforward, ensuring that even those new to baking can achieve success with minimal trial and error.

Another key advantage of this book is the variety of recipes it offers. From basic white bread to more flavorful options like herbed loaves, there’s a recipe to suit every palate. This variety not only keeps the baking experience exciting but also allows home bakers to experiment and refine their skills as they try different types of bread. Overall, this book serves as an excellent resource for anyone wishing to delve into the world of homemade bread with confidence and ease.

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The Ooni Pizza Project

The Ooni Pizza Project: The Unofficial Guide to Making Next-Level Neapolitan, New York, Detroit and Tonda Romana Style Pizzas at Home

The Ooni Pizza Project: The Unofficial Guide to Making Next-Level Neapolitan, New York, Detroit and Tonda Romana Style Pizzas at Home is ideal for passionate home cooks and pizza enthusiasts who want to elevate their pizza-making skills. If you love experimenting with different pizza styles and crave authentic, restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen, this guide is perfect for you. It caters especially to those eager to master the art of diverse pizza techniques and flavors.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive coverage of multiple pizza styles including Neapolitan, New York, Detroit, and Tonda Romana.
  • Detailed instructions and tips that make complex techniques approachable for home cooks.
  • Compact and manageable 192-page guide with clear illustrations.
  • Published by reputable Page Street Publishing ensuring quality content.
  • Lightweight and easy to handle with dimensions ideal for kitchen use (8.95 x 7.7 x 0.45 inches).

Cons:

  • Limited to pizza styles featured; may not cover other international varieties.
  • Some techniques may require specialized equipment not found in every kitchen.
  • Physical book format may not be as convenient as digital for quick reference.

This guide dives into the distinct characteristics of each pizza style, offering readers a step-by-step approach to recreate them at home. From mastering the thin, chewy crust of Neapolitan pizzas to achieving the thick, airy base of Detroit-style, the book provides practical advice that enhances technique and flavor. Its carefully crafted recipes and tips are designed to boost confidence and creativity, making pizza-making both enjoyable and rewarding.

Beyond recipes, the book highlights essential ingredient choices and baking methods, helping users understand how each element impacts the final product. Whether you have an Ooni pizza oven or a conventional kitchen setup, the guide adapts to your tools and encourages experimentation. Ultimately, it empowers pizza lovers to bring next-level, authentic pizzas to their tables with consistent success.

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The Homemade Flour Cookbook

The Homemade Flour Cookbook: The Home Cook's Guide to Milling Nutritious Flours and Creating Delicious Recipes with Every Grain, Legume, Nut, and Seed from A-Z

The Homemade Flour Cookbook is ideal for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who want to explore the art of milling their own nutritious flours from a wide variety of grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. If you are passionate about healthy eating, enjoy experimenting with unique ingredients, or want to gain control over the quality and freshness of your flours, this guide is perfect for you. It suits anyone eager to expand their baking and cooking repertoire with wholesome, homemade ingredients.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive guide covering flours from A-Z, including grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds
  • Includes illustrated edition for easy understanding
  • Provides detailed recipes that maximize the use of homemade flours
  • Encourages nutritious and healthy cooking habits
  • Compact size (9.25 x 7.5 inches) making it easy to use in the kitchen

Cons:

  • May require additional equipment such as a grain mill
  • Some recipes might be challenging for beginners without prior milling experience
  • Publication date (2014) means some newer flour varieties or techniques might not be included

This cookbook offers an extensive exploration into the world of homemade flours, providing readers with the knowledge to mill a diverse range of ingredients into fresh, flavorful flours. The detailed instructions and illustrations guide users step-by-step, helping them understand the unique properties of each grain, legume, nut, or seed and how to incorporate them into delicious recipes. The benefits of using homemade flours include better flavor, improved nutritional value, and the ability to avoid additives found in store-bought products.

Moreover, the cookbook presents creative recipes that allow users to experiment with different flour types, enhancing their culinary creativity and promoting healthier eating. It is not only a practical manual but also an inspiring resource for anyone looking to deepen their connection with food by controlling the entire process from milling to cooking. Whether baking bread, making pasta, or crafting gluten-free dishes, this book supports a wholesome lifestyle with every grain ground at home.

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Sourdough Pizza Cookbook

Sourdough Pizza Cookbook: 2 Books In 1: 77 Recipes (x2) To Make Sourdough At Home And Bake Soft Crunchy Pizza For Friends And Family

The Sourdough Pizza Cookbook: 2 Books In 1 is perfect for home cooks and pizza enthusiasts who want to master the art of making sourdough from scratch and bake delicious, soft, and crunchy pizza for their friends and family. Ideal for those who appreciate homemade, artisanal food and are looking to expand their culinary skills with a comprehensive guide that covers both sourdough starter creation and pizza baking techniques.

Pros:

  • Contains 77 detailed recipes for sourdough and pizza, providing a wide variety of options.
  • Combines two books in one, offering comprehensive knowledge on making sourdough at home and baking pizza.
  • Published by an independent publisher, ensuring unique and authentic content.
  • Compact size with 295 pages, making it a substantial yet manageable resource.
  • Recipes focus on creating a perfect balance of soft and crunchy pizza crusts.

Cons:

  • May be challenging for absolute beginners without any prior baking experience.
  • Limited to sourdough pizza, so not ideal for those wanting a broader pizza recipe collection.
  • Published in 2020, some newer techniques or trends in sourdough baking may not be included.

This cookbook provides a thorough exploration of sourdough baking tailored specifically towards pizza lovers. The dual focus on both creating a reliable sourdough starter and mastering the pizza baking process offers a valuable resource that enhances home baking skills. Users will benefit from clear instructions and a variety of recipes that ensure every pizza has the perfect texture and flavor.

Additionally, the book’s detailed approach helps users develop a deeper understanding of fermentation and dough handling, which can improve overall baking results. Whether baking for casual family dinners or entertaining guests, this cookbook equips readers with the knowledge to impress with artisanal-quality sourdough pizzas right from their own kitchen.

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The Pala – Roman Pizza

THE PALA - Roman Pizza: Step by step guide to make crispy roman pizza with high hydration

Ideal for home cooks and pizza enthusiasts eager to master the art of crispy Roman pizza, THE PALA – Roman Pizza is a comprehensive guide tailored to those who want to elevate their baking skills using high hydration dough techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your pizza-making craft, this book offers step-by-step instructions designed to deliver authentic results in your own kitchen.

Pros:

  • Clear, detailed step-by-step guide for making crispy Roman pizza
  • Focus on high hydration dough techniques for superior texture
  • Compact and easy-to-handle book size (8.0 x 0.16 x 5.0 inches)
  • Concise yet comprehensive with 70 pages of practical instructions
  • Published independently, reflecting authentic and tested recipes

Cons:

  • Limited to Roman pizza style; may not cover other pizza varieties
  • Relatively short length might not satisfy those seeking extensive culinary theory
  • Publication date (2020) means it may lack some of the latest pizza trends

THE PALA – Roman Pizza stands out by focusing on the unique challenge of working with high hydration dough, which can be tricky for many home bakers. The book breaks down complex techniques into manageable steps, allowing readers to achieve the signature thin, crispy crust that Roman pizza is known for. This focus ensures that users not only follow a recipe but also understand the science behind dough hydration and texture.

The compact format and clear instructions mean that readers can easily reference the book while preparing their pizza, making the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Additionally, the book’s independent publication status suggests a personalized, passion-driven approach, giving readers authentic insights rather than generic instructions. By following this guide, users can expect to impress family and friends with restaurant-quality Roman pizza crafted right at home.

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Sourdough Discard Recipes Cookbook 2025

SOURDOUGH DISCARD RECIPES COOKBOOK 2025: The Updated Art of Turning All-Natural Ingredients Into Delicious Sweets, Pasta, Rolls, Artisan Bread And ... for Perfect Homemade Loaves Every Time)

The Sourdough Discard Recipes Cookbook 2025 is ideal for home bakers and cooking enthusiasts who want to make the most out of their sourdough starter discard. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore creative ways to reduce food waste or an experienced baker aiming to expand your repertoire with all-natural, delicious recipes, this cookbook offers practical guidance and inspiration. It is perfect for those who appreciate artisan bread, homemade sweets, and versatile pasta dishes made from wholesome ingredients.

Pros:

  • Includes 138 pages packed with diverse recipes for sweets, pasta, rolls, and artisan bread.
  • Focuses on using all-natural ingredients for healthier, homemade meals.
  • Provides updated techniques for turning sourdough discard into delicious, perfect loaves every time.
  • Compact size with dimensions 11.0 x 8.25 x 0.52 inches, easy to handle in the kitchen.
  • Published recently in March 2025, ensuring the latest baking trends and tips.

Cons:

  • Limited to recipes using sourdough discard, which may not appeal to all bakers.
  • Being an independently published book, it might have less widespread availability.

This cookbook excels at transforming what is usually considered waste—the sourdough discard—into a variety of flavorful, nutritious dishes. The recipes emphasize the use of all-natural ingredients, catering to health-conscious individuals who prefer homemade over store-bought goods. From artisan breads to creative pasta and sweet treats, users can enjoy a comprehensive guide that elevates their baking skills while reducing waste.

The practical layout and step-by-step instructions make it accessible for both novices and seasoned bakers. The compact dimensions of the book make it a convenient kitchen companion, and the recent publication date ensures readers are benefiting from modern baking insights and trends. Overall, the Sourdough Discard Recipes Cookbook 2025 is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their culinary creativity and sustainability in the kitchen.

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The Fresh-milled Flour Bread Book

The Fresh-Milled Flour Bread Book: The Complete Guide to Mastering Your Home Mill for Artisan Sourdough, Pizza, Croissants and More

Ideal for home bakers and artisan bread enthusiasts looking to elevate their baking skills, The Fresh-Milled Flour Bread Book is perfect for those who want to master the art of using a home mill to create delicious, fresh-flour-based recipes like sourdough, pizza, and croissants. If you’re passionate about baking from scratch and desire comprehensive guidance on working with fresh-milled flour, this book is tailored for you.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive guide to using a home grain mill effectively
  • Includes a variety of recipes for artisan sourdough, pizza, croissants, and more
  • Written by a reputable publisher, Page Street Publishing
  • Compact and easy-to-handle size with 144 pages of detailed instructions
  • Published recently in 2023, ensuring up-to-date techniques and trends

Cons:

  • Relatively thin book with only 144 pages, which might limit in-depth coverage
  • Focuses specifically on using fresh-milled flour, which may not appeal to all bakers
  • Some recipes may require specialized equipment like a grain mill

The Fresh-Milled Flour Bread Book offers a unique and practical approach to baking by emphasizing the benefits of milling your own flour at home. This ensures maximum freshness and nutrition in every loaf or pastry you create. The book’s clear instructions and variety of recipes make it accessible even for bakers who are new to working with freshly milled flour, guiding them through each step with confidence.

Beyond recipes, this guide delves into the technical aspects of milling and baking, helping users understand how flour type and texture impact the final product. By mastering these details, readers can customize their baking to personal tastes and dietary needs, enhancing both flavor and texture. The book’s manageable dimensions and weight make it a convenient kitchen companion for regular use.

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Zojirushi Bread Machine Cookbook For Beginners

Zojirushi Bread Machine Cookbook for Beginners: The Complete Guide with Delicious Bread Recipes for Perfect Loaves | Master Basic Bread, Sourdough, Whole Wheat and Gluten Free Loaves with Fun & Ease

The Zojirushi Bread Machine Cookbook for Beginners is ideal for anyone looking to master the art of bread making using a bread machine. Whether you are a novice baker eager to create perfect loaves with ease or someone interested in exploring a variety of recipes including basic bread, sourdough, whole wheat, and gluten-free options, this guide is tailored to help you achieve delicious results without the hassle. It’s perfect for home bakers who want to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive guide with 207 pages of detailed recipes and tips
  • Includes a wide range of bread types: basic, sourdough, whole wheat, and gluten-free
  • Step-by-step instructions designed specifically for Zojirushi bread machines
  • Published recently (June 2025), ensuring up-to-date techniques and recipes
  • Easy-to-follow for beginners, making bread making fun and accessible

Cons:

  • Focused mainly on Zojirushi bread machines, may not fully apply to other brands
  • Some recipes might require specific ingredients not commonly found in all kitchens
  • Limited to bread recipes; does not cover other baked goods or pastries

This cookbook offers a well-rounded approach to bread making, starting from the basics and progressing to more specialized recipes like sourdough and gluten-free loaves. The clear, step-by-step instructions help users understand the nuances of working with a Zojirushi bread machine, ensuring consistent, high-quality results. The inclusion of diverse bread types caters to different dietary preferences and health needs, making it a versatile resource for many home bakers.

With 207 pages filled with practical tips and delicious recipes, this guide enhances the bread-making experience by simplifying complex processes and providing reliable methods. The recent publication date means readers benefit from modern baking insights and techniques, elevating their skills and confidence in the kitchen. Overall, this cookbook is a valuable tool for anyone wanting to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with fun and ease.

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Easy Everyday Sourdough Bread Baking

Easy Everyday Sourdough Bread Baking: Beginner-Friendly Recipes for Delicious, Creative Bakes with Minimal Shaping and No Kneading

Ideal for beginners and home bakers who want to master the art of sourdough bread without the fuss of complicated techniques, Easy Everyday Sourdough Bread Baking is perfect for those seeking delicious, creative bakes with minimal shaping and no kneading. If you’re looking to enjoy fresh, homemade sourdough without extensive experience or time investment, this book by Page Street Publishing is a great fit.

Pros:

  • Beginner-friendly recipes that require no kneading, simplifying the baking process.
  • Focuses on minimal shaping, making it less intimidating for novices.
  • Offers creative and delicious sourdough variations to keep baking exciting.
  • Compact book size with 168 pages, making it easy to handle in the kitchen.
  • Published recently in 2023, featuring up-to-date baking techniques.

Cons:

  • Limited to sourdough bread recipes, so not suitable for those seeking a wider variety of bread types.
  • Minimal shaping techniques might not satisfy advanced bakers looking for more traditional methods.
  • Relatively light in weight, which may suggest fewer detailed explanations for some users.

This cookbook emphasizes simplicity without compromising on the quality of your sourdough bread. By eliminating the need for kneading and reducing the shaping steps, it allows users to focus more on the natural fermentation process and flavor development. The recipes are thoughtfully designed to be approachable, enabling even the most novice bakers to achieve consistent, tasty results.

Moreover, the book’s creative approach encourages experimentation with various sourdough styles, making baking enjoyable and rewarding. The compact dimensions and manageable page count ensure that the book is a practical addition to any kitchen, providing accessible guidance without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail.

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Make Artisan Bread

Make Artisan Bread: Bake Homemade Artisan Bread, The Best Bread Recipes, Become A Great Baker. Learn How To Bake Perfect Pizza, Rolls, Loves, Baguetts etc. Enjoy This Baking Cookbook

The Make Artisan Bread cookbook is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers who want to master the art of homemade bread. If you are someone passionate about baking or looking to elevate your kitchen skills with delicious and authentic artisan bread, pizza, rolls, and baguettes, this book offers comprehensive guidance to help you achieve bakery-quality results at home.

Pros:

  • Contains 117 pages of detailed recipes and instructions.
  • Includes a variety of recipes like artisan bread, pizza, rolls, loaves, and baguettes.
  • Published with timeless techniques that remain relevant since 2017.
  • Focuses on teaching you to become a great baker through step-by-step methods.
  • Helps improve baking skills with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.

Cons:

  • May require some basic baking tools and ingredients not included in the book.
  • Not updated with the latest baking trends beyond its 2017 publication date.
  • Primarily focused on bread and related baked goods, so limited if you’re looking for other types of baking recipes.

This cookbook emphasizes the foundational techniques needed to bake perfect artisan bread and related products, ensuring that readers develop a strong understanding of dough preparation, fermentation, and baking. The detailed recipes cover everything from simple rolls to complex baguettes, allowing users to gradually improve their skills and confidence in the kitchen. Each recipe is designed to yield flavorful, crusty bread with a professional finish, making it ideal for those who want to impress family and friends with homemade baked goods.

Beyond just recipes, the book also focuses on teaching readers how to recognize the right dough consistency, proofing times, and baking temperatures, which are crucial for successful baking. By following the instructions, users can enjoy the benefits of fresh, preservative-free bread with customizable flavors. Whether you’re baking for everyday meals or special occasions, this cookbook helps you enjoy the rewarding experience of creating artisan bread from scratch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make Pizza Dough Softer At Home?

Use high-protein flour and add olive oil or yogurt to the dough. Knead well and allow proper fermentation. This creates a tender, elastic texture in homemade pizza dough.

Does Hydration Level Affect Pizza Dough Softness?

Yes, higher hydration makes dough softer and airier. Aim for 65-70% water relative to flour weight for a soft, chewy crust.

Why Is Resting Time Important For Soft Dough?

Resting allows gluten to relax and yeast to ferment. This improves dough elasticity and softness for better texture in pizza crusts.

Can Sourdough Improve Pizza Dough Softness?

Sourdough fermentation develops flavor and tenderness naturally. It enhances dough softness by breaking down gluten over longer fermentation times.

What Role Does Oil Play In Dough Softness?

Adding oil keeps dough moist and tender. It coats gluten strands, preventing stiffness and resulting in a softer pizza crust.

Conclusion

Making soft homemade pizza dough is simple when you follow a few key steps. Use the right flour and measure ingredients carefully. Mixing and kneading the dough well helps develop gluten for a tender texture. Let the dough rest and rise in a warm place to become light and airy.

Adding a little oil or fat can keep the dough soft and moist. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the crust hard. With patience and practice, you can create soft, delicious pizza dough at home. Experiment with different recipes and techniques from trusted baking guides to find what works best for you.

Soft pizza dough makes every homemade pizza more enjoyable. Keep trying, and enjoy the process. Baking pizza at home can be fun and rewarding!

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