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Chicago Style Thin Crust Pizza Dough

Chicago style thin crust pizza dough - the image is of a freshly baked pizza on a wooden cutting board. the pizza is round and has a golden brown crust. it is topped with a generous amount of melted cheese, which is golden brown and bubbly. the cheese is spread evenly across the top of the pizza, with small chunks of red sauce visible. there are also small orange-colored mushrooms scattered throughout the cheese. the cutting board is placed on a dark wooden table, and the background is blurred, making the pizza the focal point of the image.

This Chicago Style Thin Crust Pizza Dough recipe yields a crisp, cracker-thin crust perfect for holding your favorite toppings. Unlike the deep-dish version, this dough is light and crunchy, delivering authentic Chicago pizzeria flavor right at home.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a rough dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky.
Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat all sides with oil.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and divide it into two equal portions.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 12-inch thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
Transfer the rolled dough onto a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Add your desired toppings and bake each pizza for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
Remove from the oven, slice, and serve immediately.