This easy pizza dough recipe is our go-to base for homemade pizzas, savoury scrolls, freezer-friendly pizza bases, and garlic pull-apart bread. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable homemade dough that can stretch across multiple meals, this is it.

It’s designed for real family kitchens — using pantry staples, minimal effort, and flexible steps so you can turn one dough into several different meals depending on the week.

I wanted a dough that worked for multiple things so I didn’t have to keep flicking through recipes to find something specific for garlic bread or scrolls. This dough genuinely does it all. It also makes a large batch, so you can easily split it in half — one half for pizza bases and the other for scrolls or garlic bread.

It’s not complicated, but it’s dependable, which is exactly what busy families need most.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. These links help support Flexible Family Kitchen and allow me to continue creating free, adaptable recipes. I only share products I personally use or genuinely recommend.

Why This Recipe Works

• One flexible dough
• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly for meal prep
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Works across multiple meal types
• Easy to adapt for different dietary needs

Ingredients

• 750 g plain flour – provides structure for a soft, workable dough
• 450 g lukewarm water – activates yeast and brings dough together
• 4 tsp dried yeast – helps dough rise and become fluffy
• 1.5 tsp salt – balances flavour
• 2 tsp baking powder – adds extra lift for a softer texture
• ½ tsp garlic powder – optional flavour boost
• ½–1 tsp dried mixed herbs or oregano – optional seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Conventional Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place into a lightly oiled bowl and cover.
4. Rest in a warm place for 30–60 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Turn out onto a floured surface and use for pizza, scrolls, or garlic bread.

Thermomix Method

1. Add all ingredients to the bowl.
2. Mix 5 seconds / speed 4 to combine.
3. Knead function for 2 minutes.
4. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover, and rest for 30–60 minutes until doubled in size.
5. Turn out onto a floured bench and shape as required.

Savoury Scrolls (Using This Dough)

This easy pizza dough also works beautifully as savoury scrolls, making it a great all-in-one family dough. Fill with your choice of:

• Ham and cheese
• Vegemite and cheese
• Tomato paste and pizza topping

1. Line a tray with baking paper.
2. After resting, roll dough into a rectangle (not too thin).
3. Add filling evenly, be sure not to overfill or else it will be too difficult to roll.
4. Roll from the long edge into a log.
5. Slice into scrolls and place on tray.
6. Let rest 10–15 minutes.
7. Bake 18–25 minutes until golden.

Pantry Notes

This easy pizza dough recipe is easy to adapt with everyday ingredients.

• Plain flour can be swapped with bread flour for a chewier texture
• Herbs can be adjusted based on what you have available
• Garlic powder is optional but adds flavour across all uses
• Dough can be refrigerated after the first rise for next-day use
• Roll and par bake bases to freeze for later

Tools I Use For Pizza Night

• Thermomix (a stand mixer or large mixing bowl would also work just as well)
• Pizza cutter wheel – makes slicing quicker and cleaner for family-style serving
• Pizza trays – I use these for both baking and par-baking bases for freezer meals
• Silicone spatula – for scraping dough out of the Thermomix bowl.
• Thermal bowl with lid (I use this to prove the dough — a large bowl covered tightly with cling wrap also works)

How to Adapt This Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

• Dairy-free → Already dairy free
• Egg-free → No changes needed.
• Gluten-free → Use my gluten free pizza dough instead – recipe coming soon.
• Low carb → I’m currently working on a low carb version of this recipe for you — watch this space. This will use a fathead-style dough.
• Carb-up → Already carb-based as written
• Nightshade-free → Top with hummus, mashed pumpkin or my Nightshade-Free Pasta Sauce
• Soy-free → Naturally soy free.
• Corn-free → Check herbs and spices for anti-caking agents.
• FODMAP-friendly → The dough is naturally low FODMAP if garlic powder is removed. Avoid garlic in the dough and use garlic-infused oil instead if needed.
• Nut-free → No changes needed

👉 Learn how to confidently swap everyday ingredients like flour, stock, pasta, soy sauce, and baking staples in our Pantry Swaps for Allergy-Friendly Cooking for easy adaptable cooking.

⚠️ The more swaps you make, the more the final result may vary — start simple where possible.

J – Flexible Family Kitchen

Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

Easy pizza dough recipe with 3 flexible uses — pizza, garlic bread, and scrolls. One simple dough for family meals, freezer cooking, and busy nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 3 large bases

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Modern Family-Friendly

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 750 g plain flour
• 450 g lukewarm water
• 4 tsp dried yeast
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder , optional
• ½-1 tsp dried mixed herbs , or dried oregano

Method

 

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place into a lightly oiled bowl and cover.
4. Rest in a warm place for 30–60 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Turn out onto a floured surface and use for pizza, scrolls, or garlic bread.

Pizza Bases

1. Pre-heat the oven to 190°C (fan-forced)
2. Divide dough into portions (2–4 bases).
3. Roll into rounds and gently move to a lightly oiled pizza tray.
4. Add toppings and bake 17-20 minutes until cooked through.

Savoury Scrolls

1. Pre-heat the oven to 190°C (fan-forced)
2. Roll dough into a rectangle, approximately 1-½ cm thick.
3. Add ham and cheese evenly across the dough.
Do not overfill or else it will be difficult to roll
4. From the long edge, gently roll tightly into a log
5. Slice into 3–4 cm scrolls.
6. Place on a lined tray with space between.
7. Bake at 180°C for 18–25 minutes or until golden.

These recipes are designed to help you cook one flexible meal that works for everyone — without making multiple dinners.

I focus on simple ingredients, practical swaps, and real-life cooking. You won’t find perfectly styled food or strict macro tracking here — just balanced, adaptable meals for busy families.

Because food should nourish you — not control you.

This is what flexible family cooking looks like in real life.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic homemade pizza night
• Ham and cheese lunchbox scrolls
• Garlic pull-apart bread for dinner sides
• Mini pizza puffs using leftover dough
• Freezer pizza bases for busy weeknights

FAQ

Helpful Dough Tips

If you’re new to homemade dough or working with yeast for the first time, these quick tips will help troubleshoot common pizza dough problems.

Why didn’t my pizza dough rise?
→ If your pizza dough didn’t rise properly, the most common issue is inactive yeast or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is in date and the dough is resting somewhere warm. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl in a switched-off oven with the light on or near a warm spot.

Can I make pizza dough ahead of time?
→ Yes, this pizza dough recipe works well for meal prep. After the first rise, you can store the dough in the fridge for up to 24–48 hours in an airtight container or dough box. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping for best results.

Can I freeze homemade pizza dough?
→ Yes. You can freeze this dough after it has been shaped into pizza bases or scrolls. For best results, freeze on a tray first, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Can I use this dough for more than pizza?
→ Yes — that’s exactly why this easy pizza dough recipe works so well. It can be used for pizza bases, garlic pull-apart bread, ham and cheese scrolls, and even small pizza puffs for kids’ lunches. My kids also love this vegemite & cheese scrolls made with this dough.

Why is my dough tough or dense?
→ Tough dough usually comes from over-kneading or using too much flour during shaping. This dough should feel soft and slightly elastic. If it feels dry, add a small amount of extra water next time rather than more flour.

Can I use bread flour instead of plain flour?
→ Yes, bread flour can be used for this pizza dough recipe. It will give a slightly chewier, more structured base, which some people prefer for pizza. Plain flour gives a softer, lighter texture.

More Adaptable Recipes You’ll Love

If you regularly cook for different dietary needs, having a flexible approach makes everything easier. My flexible family cooking method shows you how to build meals that work for everyone without cooking multiple dinners.

Enjoyed this easy pizza dough recipe? Try these adaptable recipes next:

• Chicken Bacon and Mushroom Casserole
• Beef Stroganoff Recipe
• Korean Beef Bowl Recipe

Tried This Recipe?💬

Leave a comment and share what swaps you used — it helps other families more than you think!