Introduction:
Meet your new kitchen staple: The Ultimate All-Purpose Dough.
Whether you’re baking soft dinner rolls, crispy pizza crusts, or a loaf of fluffy bread, this versatile dough does it all.
Easy to make and even easier to adapt, this recipe is ideal for beginners and pros alike.
Ingredients:
4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 tbsp sugar
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1½ tsp salt
1½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
Instructions:
Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead: Turn out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.)
First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape: Punch down the dough and shape as needed — rolls, loaf, pizza, etc.
Second Rise (optional): For fluffier results, let shaped dough rise another 30 minutes.
Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes (rolls), 30–35 minutes (loaf), or 12–15 minutes at 475°F (245°C) for pizza.
Description:
This dough is light, chewy, and super flexible. With a soft crumb and just enough crustiness, it’s the perfect blank canvas for sweet or savory creations. It freezes well and holds up to endless customization.
Tips:
Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
Let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on to create a warm proofing environment.
Want a richer dough? Add an egg or a splash of milk.
Oil your hands while kneading to prevent sticking without adding too much extra flour.
Variations:
Sweet Version: Add 2 more tablespoons of sugar and swap water for warm milk.
Garlic & Herb: Mix in 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs.
Whole Wheat: Use 50% whole wheat flour for more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Cheesy Twist: Fold in shredded cheese during shaping for cheesy breadsticks.
Correction:
If your dough is:
Too sticky: Add a bit more flour, 1 tbsp at a time.
Too dry: Drizzle in more water or oil a teaspoon at a time until soft.
Didn’t rise: Check if the yeast was expired or if the water was too hot or cold.
Enjoy:
Slice into warm, freshly baked bread, top your homemade pizza, or serve soft rolls at dinner. However you use it, The Ultimate All-Purpose Dough brings comfort and joy straight from your oven. Enjoy every bite!