Homemade Pizza and Doughnuts Recipe – Perfect Dough Every Time
Introduction
There’s something uniquely satisfying about homemade pizza and doughnuts. When you bake these treats from scratch, you’re not just making food — you’re crafting a delicious experience. The beauty of homemade pizza is that the dough is the heart of the dish, and when done right, it forms the perfect base for a variety of savory toppings. Meanwhile, homemade doughnuts offer that comforting, warm sweetness that everyone loves. This recipe combines both these timeless classics into one irresistible homemade experience. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your craving for pizza or indulge in a warm, sugary doughnut, this guide will help you make perfect dough every single time.
Perfect for family dinners, parties, or even just a cozy weekend baking session, making both pizza and doughnuts from scratch is a rewarding experience. With simple ingredients, a few steps, and helpful tips, you can create the most tender pizza crust and the fluffiest doughnuts — every time!
History of Pizza and Doughnuts
- Pizza: Originating from Naples, Italy, pizza has evolved from its humble beginnings into one of the world’s most beloved dishes. The classic pizza dough is made from a simple mixture of flour, water, yeast, and salt, but it’s the technique behind the dough that elevates it to perfection. Over the years, pizza has taken on many forms and varieties, but the essential idea remains the same: a great pizza starts with great dough.
- Doughnuts: Doughnuts are believed to have Dutch origins, where they were originally known as “olykoeks” (oily cakes). These fried pastries evolved over time to become the round, sweet, fried dough treat we know today. With their crispy exterior and soft, airy interior, doughnuts are universally adored. The doughnut’s journey from simple fried dough to the decorated, filled varieties we see today is a testament to how this dish has captured the imagination of bakers around the world.
Health Benefits (In Moderation)
Both pizza and doughnuts offer delightful indulgence, but when made at home, you have control over the ingredients, making them a little more nutritious:
- Pizza: You can opt for whole wheat flour in your pizza dough, add extra vegetables for toppings, and control the amount of cheese and sauce for a healthier option.
- Doughnuts: By frying at the right temperature and using high-quality ingredients, you can make doughnuts with fewer artificial additives. Using an air fryer for doughnuts can even reduce the oil content.
Homemade Pizza Recipe: Perfect Dough for Every Pizza
Ingredients for Pizza Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
Ingredients for Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings (Your Choice!):
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
- Sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives — the options are endless!
Instructions for Pizza:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed, but avoid making the dough too dry.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for a crispy crust. If using a pizza stone, let it heat in the oven for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the Pizza
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas, or keep it whole for one large pizza.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the pizza sauce over the dough.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings. Be creative — try adding roasted garlic, fresh vegetables, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven, let it rest for a minute, slice it up, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Homemade Doughnuts Recipe: Fluffy and Delicious
Ingredients for Doughnut Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions for Doughnuts:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
Step 2: Make the Doughnut Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs.
- Stir until the dough begins to form. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick.
- Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out doughnut shapes. Place them on a floured baking sheet.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the doughnuts in batches, cooking for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and place them on paper towels to drain.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze the Doughnuts
- Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, coating them evenly. Place on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Serving Suggestions for Pizza and Doughnuts
- Pizza: Serve your homemade pizza with a side salad, or pair it with garlic bread or even a glass of your favorite wine.
- Doughnuts: Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer with coffee for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat. You can even serve them with a side of fresh berries for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Dough Every Time
- Pizza Dough: Let the dough rest and rise for the full recommended time to ensure it’s light and airy. If you’re short on time, you can also refrigerate the dough overnight for a richer flavor.
- Doughnut Dough: Don’t skip the rising time for doughnuts. This step is essential for achieving that light, fluffy texture. Also, make sure the oil temperature is consistent while frying to avoid soggy doughnuts.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving savory pizza or sweet doughnuts, Homemade Pizza and Doughnuts made from scratch will undoubtedly impress. With the perfect dough recipe for both, you can create these beloved dishes right at home, customizing the toppings and flavors to suit your tastes. Best of all, the dough-making process is easy to master, ensuring that every time you bake, you’ll achieve the perfect pizza crust and the fluffiest doughnuts. Enjoy the process, indulge in the results, and share your delicious creations with family and friends! Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta