20 Delicious Basic Dough Recipes for Beginners

Perfecting the art of dough-making is a game-changer for any home cook, and we’re here to make it easy and fun! Whether you’re dreaming of fluffy pizza crusts, tender pastries, or rustic breads, our roundup of 20 Delicious Basic Dough Recipes for Beginners is your ticket to baking success. Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering creations—your kitchen adventures start here!

Classic Homemade Pizza Dough

Transform your kitchen into a pizzeria with this foolproof dough that’s crispy, chewy, and begging for your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 envelope of instant yeast (that’s about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water (think baby bath temp, around 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (plus a splash for greasing the bowl)

Instructions

1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a big bowl.
2. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic—pro tip: if it sticks, add a sprinkle more flour.
4. Grease a clean bowl with olive oil, plop the dough in, and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Punch down the dough, then divide into 2 balls for thin crust or keep it whole for a thick, fluffy base.
6. Roll out on a floured surface to your desired thickness, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
7. Preheat your oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet inside—this mimics a professional oven for extra crispiness.
8. Top your dough, slide it onto the hot stone or sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

This dough bakes up with a perfect chew and a golden edge that holds up to any topping. Try finishing with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick that’s totally Insta-worthy.

Easy Whole Wheat Bread Dough

Just when you thought homemade bread was a weekend-only affair, here’s a game-changer. Easy Whole Wheat Bread Dough—mix, rise, bake, done. No fancy skills needed.

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole wheat flour (because health is wealth, right?)
• 1 cup warm water (not too hot, not too cold)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (the magic maker)
• 2 tbsp honey (for that subtle sweetness)
• 1 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance it all)
• A splash of olive oil (for that smooth finish)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s frothy—this means your yeast is alive and kicking.
2. Add the whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Tip: If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle more flour.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is your arm workout for the day.
4. Place the dough back in the bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Tip: No warm spot? Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside.
5. Punch down the dough (yes, literally punch it) to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
6. Let it rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Tip: For an extra glossy finish, brush the top with a little milk before baking.

Mmm, the aroma of freshly baked bread is unbeatable. This loaf is hearty with a slightly nutty flavor—perfect toasted with avocado or as a base for your favorite sandwich. Get creative and add seeds or herbs to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

Soft Pretzel Dough

Y’all, this soft pretzel dough is your ticket to bakery-level bragging rights at home. No fancy skills needed—just follow these steps and watch the magic happen.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour (because bread flour is extra, and we’re keeping it simple)
• 1 tbsp of sugar (just a lil’ sweet to balance the salty)
• 2 tsp of salt (for that iconic pretzel punch)
• 1 packet of active dry yeast (the tiny powerhouse)
• 1.5 cups of warm water (not too hot, not too cold—think baby bath temp)
• a splash of vegetable oil (to keep things smooth)
• a couple of tbsp of baking soda (for that classic pretzel crust)
• 1 egg (for that golden shine)
• a sprinkle of coarse salt (because we’re extra like that)

Instructions

1. In a big bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast like you’re tossing a salad.
2. Pour in warm water and a splash of oil. Stir until it’s a shaggy mess, then knead for 5 mins until smooth. Tip: If it sticks, add a bit more flour—no sweat.
3. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size—patience is key.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Boil 6 cups of water with baking soda in a wide pot.
5. Divide dough into 8 pieces, roll each into a rope, and twist into pretzel shapes. Tip: Keep ’em uniform for even baking.
6. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then plop onto the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
7. Bake for 12-15 mins until deep golden brown. Tip: Rotate the tray halfway for an even tan.

Chewy inside, crispy outside, and salty all over—these pretzels are begging for a beer cheese dip or a cinnamon sugar dusting. Get creative and dunk away.

Fluffy Dinner Roll Dough

Transform your dinner table with these Fluffy Dinner Roll Dough—soft, pillowy, and begging to be pulled apart.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour (because we’re keeping it classic)
• 1 packet of active dry yeast (that’s your magic fluff-maker)
• A couple of tablespoons of sugar (for that slight sweetness)
• A splash of warm milk (about 1 cup, to get things going)
• 1/4 cup of melted butter (for richness)
• A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
• 1 egg (for that golden finish)

Instructions

1. Start by proofing your yeast in warm milk with sugar—wait until it’s frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. Mix in the melted butter and egg, then gradually add flour and salt until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes—dough should be smooth and elastic.
4. Let it rise in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled—about 1 hour in a warm spot.
5. Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape into rolls.
6. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Make these rolls your canvas—brush with garlic butter for a savory twist or serve warm with jam for a sweet start. Either way, they’re disappearing fast.

Perfect Pie Crust Dough

Kick your baking game up a notch with this foolproof pie crust dough—flaky, buttery, and ready to cradle any filling you throw at it.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, ice-cold and cubed
• A splash of ice water
• A pinch of salt
• A couple of tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Toss in the cubed butter. Use your fingers to press each cube into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Tip: Keep your hands cold to prevent the butter from melting.
3. Drizzle in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Tip: Don’t overmix—you want to see bits of butter for that flaky texture.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour. Tip: This rest period is non-negotiable for easy rolling.
5. Roll out one disk on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Trim the edges, fill as desired, and bake according to your pie recipe’s instructions.

Here’s the deal: this crust bakes up golden and crisp, with layers that shatter at the first forkful. Try it with a savory quiche or go classic with apple pie—either way, it’s a winner.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Dough

Dig into this Cheesy Garlic Bread Dough that’s about to become your next obsession. It’s gooey, garlicky, and guaranteed to disappear in seconds.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 packet of instant yeast
• 3/4 cup of warm water (around 110°F)
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• a splash of melted butter
• a couple of cups of shredded mozzarella
• a sprinkle of parsley

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms. Tip: The water should be warm to the touch but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
6. Punch down the dough and roll it out on the baking sheet.
7. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the top. Tip: For extra flavor, let the garlic sit in the butter for a few minutes before brushing.
8. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of parsley.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden. Tip: Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes to prevent burning.

Fresh out of the oven, this dough is irresistibly soft with a crispy, cheesy top. Serve it hot with a side of marinara for dipping, or tear it apart for a fun, shareable snack.

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Dough

Elevate your breakfast game with these insanely fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth sweet cinnamon roll dough. Perfect for lazy Sundays or when you need a sweet treat stat.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1 cup of warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• a splash of vanilla extract
• a couple of tbsp of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tbsp of softened butter for filling

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, the yeast, and salt.
2. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Tip: If the dough sticks, add a little more flour.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the surface.
6. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Tip: Press the filling lightly into the dough to prevent it from falling out when rolling.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and cut into 12 even pieces. Tip: Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
8. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Mmm, these rolls come out perfectly soft with a gooey cinnamon center. Try drizzling with cream cheese frosting or serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent twist.

Crunchy Bagel Dough

Never settle for bland breakfasts again. This Crunchy Bagel Dough recipe is your ticket to morning glory—crispy outside, chewy inside, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of bread flour (because all-purpose just won’t cut it)
• A splash of warm water (about 1/2 cup, but hey, eyeball it)
• A couple of tbsp of honey (for that subtle sweetness)
• 1 tsp of salt (keep it balanced)
• A packet of active dry yeast (the magic maker)
• A glug of olive oil (for smooth kneading)

Instructions

1. Whisk together the warm water, honey, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s frothy—this means your yeast is alive and kicking.
2. Mix in the bread flour and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then add the olive oil.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes. Pro tip: If it sticks, add a bit more flour, but don’t overdo it.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size—patience is key.
5. Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form the bagel shape.
6. Boil a pot of water and gently drop each bagel in for 1 minute per side. This step gives them that iconic chew.
7. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined tray until golden brown. Keep an eye on them—no one likes a burnt bagel.

Just out of the oven, these bagels are a texture dream—crackly crust with a pull-apart center. Slather with cream cheese or go wild with avocado and everything seasoning.

Traditional Focaccia Dough

Ready to dive into the world of homemade bread? This Traditional Focaccia Dough is your ticket to a fluffy, olive oil-rich masterpiece that’s begging for your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour (because bread flour works too, but let’s keep it simple)
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water (think baby bath temp, around 110°F)
• 2 tsp of active dry yeast (that little packet in your pantry? Perfect.)
• 2 tsp of sugar (just a pinch to wake up the yeast)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil (plus a splash more for greasing)
• 1 1/2 tsp of salt (because flavor is key)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s frothy—this means your yeast is alive and kicking.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Tip: If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle more flour.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. It should feel like a stress ball—firm but forgiving.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size—patience is a virtue here.
5. Punch down the dough (yes, literally) and spread it into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Dimple the top with your fingers and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Let it rise again for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F. Tip: Those dimples are perfect for holding extra olive oil or herbs.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. A tap on the top should sound hollow—music to a baker’s ears.

Warm from the oven, this focaccia is crispy on the outside, pillowy inside, and just begging for a drizzle of balsamic or a smear of pesto. Tear into it straight from the pan or slice it up for the ultimate sandwich bread.

Light and Airy Croissant Dough

Alright, let’s dive into making these flaky, buttery croissants that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a Parisian bakery.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 1/4 cups of cold water
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp of active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups of unsalted butter, chilled
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the cold water and vanilla extract, then knead until the dough comes together. Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
5. Slice the chilled butter into thin slabs and arrange them over two-thirds of the dough rectangle.
6. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, enclosing the butter. Tip: This creates the layers that make croissants so flaky.
7. Roll the dough out again into a rectangle and fold into thirds once more. Repeat this process 3 more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between folds.
8. After the final fold, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into triangles.
9. Roll each triangle from the base to the tip to form croissants, then place on a baking sheet. Tip: For extra shine, brush with an egg wash before baking.
10. Let the croissants rise for another hour, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Just out of the oven, these croissants are impossibly light with a crisp exterior. Serve them warm with a dollop of jam or go savory with ham and cheese tucked inside before baking.

Rich Brioche Dough

Roll up your sleeves—this rich brioche dough is your ticket to buttery, pillowy perfection. No fancy skills needed, just follow the steps and watch the magic happen.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour (yes, the regular kind)
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (because sweet is the goal)
• 1 tsp of salt (just a pinch to balance it all)
• 1 packet of active dry yeast (the tiny powerhouse)
• 4 large eggs (room temp, please)
• 1/2 cup of whole milk (warmed to a cozy 110°F)
• 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened, because we’re not savages)

Instructions

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a big bowl—no lumps allowed.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until each disappears into the dough.
3. Pour in warm milk, stirring until the dough starts to shaggy up. Tip: If it feels too sticky, a sprinkle of flour will save the day.
4. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or 5 in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic. It’s a workout, but worth it.
5. Add softened butter in chunks, kneading until fully incorporated. This is where the magic happens—patience is key.
6. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1-2 hours. No peeking!
7. Punch down the dough (therapy), shape as desired, and let rise again until puffy, 30-45 minutes.
8. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. A tap should sound hollow—music to your ears.

Who knew luxury could be so simple? This brioche is all about that golden crust and tender, buttery crumb. Toast it, French toast it, or just tear into it warm—no judgment here.

Simple Sourdough Starter Dough

Let’s ditch the store-bought and **craft** your own Simple Sourdough Starter Dough. It’s easier than you think, and oh-so-rewarding.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• A splash of warm water (about 1/2 cup, at 85°F)
• A couple of tablespoons of active sourdough starter
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Mix the all-purpose flour and warm water in a large bowl until just combined.
2. Add the active sourdough starter and salt, then stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Tip: If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little more flour.
4. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature (around 75°F) for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size. Tip: For a more sour flavor, let it rise in the fridge overnight.
5. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then shape it into a round loaf.
6. Preheat your oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes before baking.
7. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife, then carefully transfer it to the preheated Dutch oven.
8. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown. Tip: For an extra crispy crust, spritz the dough with water before baking.

Here’s your golden ticket to sourdough bliss—crispy crust, chewy interior, and that unmistakable tang. Slather with butter or go gourmet with avocado and chili flakes.

Decadent Chocolate Babka Dough

Unleash your inner baker with this Decadent Chocolate Babka Dough—it’s the ultimate weekend project that rewards you with buttery, chocolatey layers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour, plus a little extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup of warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 1 egg, plus an extra for egg wash
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• A generous cup of chocolate chips or chunks
• A splash of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Pour the warm milk into a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast on top, and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead in the softened butter bit by bit until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Tip: If the dough sticks, dust your hands with a little flour.
5. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1.5 hours.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then twist into a spiral. Tip: For extra layers, fold the roll in half and twist again.
8. Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise for another 45 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the top with egg wash.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Tip: If it browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Let this babka cool slightly before slicing—the chocolate will be molten! The crumb is tender, the swirls are Instagram-worthy, and it makes killer French toast the next day.

Healthy Multigrain Bread Dough

Elevate your baking game with this Healthy Multigrain Bread Dough—simple, wholesome, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of warm water (about 110°F)
• A splash of honey
• A packet of active dry yeast
• 3 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• A couple of tablespoons of flaxseeds
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• A glug of olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Stir in whole wheat flour, oats, flaxseeds, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
6. Let it rise again for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Who knew healthy could taste this good? This bread’s nutty flavor and hearty texture make it perfect for avocado toast or a sturdy PB&J.

Quick Flatbread Dough

Craving something homemade but short on time? This Quick Flatbread Dough is your weeknight hero—ready in minutes and endlessly versatile.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup warm water (not too hot, or you’ll kill the yeast)
• A splash of milk for tenderness (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt like you mean it.
2. Make a well in the center and pour in the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms—no need for perfection here.
3. Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour; too dry, a dash more water.
4. Knead on a floured surface for about 3 minutes until smooth. This isn’t bread, so don’t overwork it.
5. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten with your palms or a rolling pin to 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each flatbread for 2 minutes per side, until golden spots appear.
7. Tip: Keep cooked flatbreads warm under a towel—they’ll stay soft and pliable.
8. Brush with melted butter or garlic oil right after cooking for extra flavor.
9. Tip: For a crispy edge, crank the heat for the last 30 seconds on each side.

Melt-in-your-mouth tender with a slight chew, these flatbreads are perfect for tearing and sharing. Try them as a base for spicy hummus or fold around grilled veggies for a quick wrap.

Authentic Italian Ciabatta Dough

Bake your way to Italy with this no-fuss, Authentic Italian Ciabatta Dough. It’s crusty, airy, and begging to be slathered with garlic butter or dunked in olive oil.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of bread flour (the good stuff)
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water (think baby bath temp, around 110°F)
• 2 tsp of salt (just enough to make it sing)
• 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast (a tiny but mighty amount)
• A splash of olive oil (for that smooth finish)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Make a well in the center.
2. Pour the warm water into the well. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. No need to be gentle here.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the dough. Use your hands to fold the dough over itself a few times until it feels slightly smoother. Tip: Wet your hands to prevent sticking.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours. Yes, patience is key. The dough should double in size and look bubbly.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a Dutch oven inside to heat up for 30 minutes. This mimics a professional bread oven.
6. Turn the dough onto a heavily floured surface. It’ll be sticky—that’s normal. Fold the dough over itself a couple of times, then shape it into a rough oval.
7. Carefully place the dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and crusty. Tip: Listen for a hollow sound when tapped—that’s how you know it’s done.
8. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Resist the urge to cut it early—this wait ensures the perfect texture.

Fresh out of the oven, this ciabatta has a crackly crust and a soft, holey interior. Tear into it warm, or toast slices for a next-level sandwich experience.

Gluten-Free Pizza Dough

Zesty and ready in a flash, this gluten-free pizza dough is your ticket to guilt-free indulgence. No fuss, just flavor—let’s roll.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (the good stuff)
• 1 tsp xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t have it)
• 1 packet rapid-rise yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
• 1 tsp sugar (to wake up the yeast)
• 3/4 cup warm water (not too hot, not too cold)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (a glug for good measure)
• 1 tsp salt (because flavor)

Instructions

1. Whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if using), and salt in a large bowl. Keep it fluffy.
2. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy—yeast is alive!
3. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms. No kneading needed, promise.
4. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It’ll double in size—patience is key.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Hot oven equals crispy crust.
6. Press the dough onto a parchment-lined pizza pan. Wet your fingers to prevent sticking—genius hack.
7. Bake for 10 minutes before adding toppings. This prevents a soggy middle—trust the process.
8. Add your favorite toppings and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden. Watch it like a hawk.

Expect a crispy edge with a chewy middle—texture heaven. Serve it up with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet kick.

Vegan Whole Grain Dough

Whip up this Vegan Whole Grain Dough for a hearty, healthful base that’s begging for your favorite toppings. It’s simple, satisfying, and seriously versatile.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1 cup of warm water (around 110°F)
• a splash of olive oil
• a couple of teaspoons of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
• a pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour and salt together.
2. Dissolve the maple syrup and yeast in the warm water, then let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, add a splash of olive oil, and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough, then shape it as desired for your recipe.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Light and airy with a nutty depth, this dough is perfect for rustic pizzas or soft flatbreads. Try topping with roasted veggies or a drizzle of tahini for an extra flavor kick.

Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Dough

Here’s how to whip up a loaf that’s fluffy, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Dough is your next kitchen win.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 packet of instant yeast
• 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• a handful of shredded cheddar cheese
• a couple of tbsp of chopped fresh herbs (think rosemary, thyme, or basil)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Pour in warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. Tip: Water too hot? It’ll kill the yeast. Aim for just warmer than body temp.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Tip: Windowpane test? Stretch a piece. If it’s see-through without tearing, you’re golden.
4. Fold in cheese and herbs until evenly distributed.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled. Tip: No warm spot? Heat your oven to 200°F, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside.
6. Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a baking sheet.
7. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Tap the bottom. A hollow sound means it’s done.

You’ll love the crispy crust, soft interior, and bursts of cheesy, herby goodness. Yum, it’s perfect torn straight from the loaf or toasted with a smear of butter.

Sweet Danish Pastry Dough

Sweet Danish Pastry Dough

Start your morning with a buttery, flaky masterpiece that’s easier than you think. **Sweet Danish Pastry Dough** is your ticket to bakery-level breakfasts at home.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• A splash of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk with a pinch of sugar; let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Beat the egg and vanilla into the yeast mixture.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth.
6. Roll the dough into a rectangle, then dot with half the butter cubes.
7. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, then roll out again.
8. Repeat the butter, fold, and roll process once more.
9. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to keep the butter firm.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
11. Cut the dough into desired shapes, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Enjoy the layers of buttery goodness with a crisp exterior and soft, sweet interior. Try filling them with jam or custard for an extra treat.

Conclusion

These 20 basic dough recipes are your ticket to baking success, offering endless possibilities for delicious creations. Whether you’re kneading, rolling, or baking, each recipe is designed to build your confidence in the kitchen. We’d love to hear which ones become your favorites—drop us a comment below! And if you found this roundup helpful, why not share the love? Pin it on Pinterest to inspire fellow home cooks. Happy baking!

Bella Bacinos