If you’re using an Ooni pizza oven or any other high-heat pizza oven, you’re in for a treat. This Ooni pizza dough recipe is designed specifically to create the perfect crispy, yet chewy, Neapolitan-style crust. With this easy Ooni pizza dough recipe, you’ll be able to make the best pizza at home, using the right hydration levels and ingredients for the ultimate results.

Ooni pizza dough is unique in that it is designed specifically to handle high temperatures without losing its texture or structure. With the right hydration level and ingredients, you can create pizza crusts that are thin, airy, and packed with flavor. If you’re new to making pizza with an Ooni oven, mastering the dough is the key to achieving pizza perfection.

What Makes Ooni Pizza Dough Unique?

The secret to a great pizza lies in the dough, and this Ooni pizza dough recipe is crafted for high-temperature cooking. Using 00 flour, higher hydration, and quick bake times, this recipe ensures a crispy yet soft dough that stands up to the heat of an Ooni oven. Perfect for pizza enthusiasts who want to master the craft of making pizza at home.

A key feature of Ooni pizza dough is the use of 00 flour, which is finer than all-purpose flour and gives the pizza a delicate texture. The combination of 00 flour and a higher hydration ratio makes this dough ideal for creating that light, bubbly crust Ooni ovens are known for. For more detailed guidance on dough hydration, check out this pizza hydration guide.

If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with different types of dough or wants to reduce kitchen waste, making use of your sourdough discard can be another option for creating delicious crusts. You can check out how to make no-waste sourdough discard pizza dough here.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ooni Pizza Dough

Here’s what you need to create the ideal Ooni pizza dough recipe:

500g 00 flour (or all-purpose flour if you can’t find it)
325g warm water (65% hydration)
10g salt
2g dry yeast (or 3g fresh yeast)
10g olive oil (optional)
A pinch of sugar or honey (optional for flavor)

The ingredient list is simple, but the technique is what makes all the difference. Using 00 flour creates a dough that can handle the extreme heat of an Ooni oven, while the higher hydration (more water) helps to keep the dough soft and pliable, perfect for stretching into thin, crispy pizzas.

How to Make the Perfect Ooni Pizza Dough

Follow these steps to make the perfect Ooni pizza dough recipe at home :

1. Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mix the water and yeast until the yeast dissolves. Gradually add the flour, mixing slowly, followed by the salt and olive oil (if using).

It’s important to dissolve the yeast completely before adding the flour.
If you’re using dry yeast, this step ensures that the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
The olive oil adds a little richness and softness to the dough but is optional, depending on your taste preference.

2. Knead the Dough

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for gluten development, which gives the dough its structure.

If you have a stand mixer, this can save you some effort, but hand-kneading also works perfectly well.
Kneading is essential because it develops the gluten in the flour, which helps the dough stretch and rise properly.
The dough should become smooth and slightly tacky after kneading. If it feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it’s manageable.

3. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Bulk fermentation, or the first rise, allows the yeast to work its magic, producing gas that will help the dough rise.
It’s important to keep the dough covered to prevent it from drying out.
A slightly warm kitchen will speed up the rising process.

4. Cold-Proof the Dough

For a better flavor, cold-proof the dough by placing it in the fridge for 12-24 hours. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the dough.

Cold-proofing is a technique that slows down the fermentation process, giving the dough time to develop deeper flavors.
This step is optional, but it will make a significant difference in taste.
Many experienced pizza makers swear by cold-proofing for better texture and flavor.

If you’re interested in other easy, no-waste recipes, you might want to check out this guide on sourdough discard pizza dough.

5. Shape and Stretch the Dough

After proofing, divide the dough into 4 equal portions (for 10-12 inch pizzas) and shape them into balls. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes before stretching it.

Gently stretch the dough using your fingers, being careful not to tear it or push out the air bubbles.
Shaping the dough into balls before stretching helps create an even, round pizza.
Avoid using a rolling pin, as it can flatten the dough and push out the air pockets that create a light, airy crust.
Letting the dough rest before shaping allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch without tearing.

By following this Ooni pizza dough recipe, you’ll have a flavorful, perfectly textured dough that is ready to bake in your Ooni oven.

Baking Tips for Ooni Pizza Dough

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to bake! Here are some key tips to ensure the best results:

Preheat Your Ooni Oven: Preheat your Ooni pizza oven to the highest setting (around 850°F or 450°C). Allow the pizza stone to fully heat for at least 15-20 minutes.The Ooni oven needs to be as hot as possible to achieve the characteristic Neapolitan crust. Preheating the pizza stone or steel inside the oven ensures that the bottom of the pizza cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy base.
Use Minimal Toppings: Ooni pizza ovens cook pizza in under 90 seconds, so less is more when it comes to toppings. Too many toppings can weigh down the dough and lead to an uneven cook. Stick to simple classics like margherita or pepperoni.Because the pizza cooks so quickly, it’s best to stick to a few simple toppings. Heavy or watery toppings can cause the crust to become soggy before it has a chance to crisp up. Consider using less sauce and lighter cheese to prevent this.
Rotate Your Pizza: Ooni ovens cook pizza quickly and evenly, but it’s still important to rotate your pizza halfway through cooking to ensure that all sides cook evenly.Since the heat in the Ooni oven is concentrated toward the back, rotating the pizza halfway through cooking helps it cook evenly on all sides. Use a pizza peel to turn the pizza, and always watch it closely, as it can go from perfectly cooked to burned in seconds.

Troubleshooting Common Ooni Pizza Dough Issues

Even experienced bakers can encounter problems when making Ooni pizza dough. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Sticky Dough: If your dough is too sticky, try dusting your hands and work surface with a little flour. Avoid adding too much, as it can make the dough tough.Sticky dough is usually a sign that the dough needs more flour, but don’t overdo it. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it sticks too much, you can also lightly oil your hands to handle the dough.
Dough Too Tough: Over-kneading or using too much flour can make the dough tough and difficult to stretch. To fix this, allow the dough to rest for an additional 15-20 minutes before attempting to stretch it again.Tough dough can also result from handling it too roughly. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten. Be gentle when handling the dough to preserve its softness.
Burning Crust: If your pizza is burning in the Ooni oven, it could be too close to the flame. Make sure to rotate the pizza every 20-30 seconds and adjust its position in the oven as needed.Burned crusts are usually a result of too much direct heat. The intense heat in the Ooni oven can cause the edges to burn quickly, so keep an eye on it and rotate the pizza frequently for even cooking.

Variations on Ooni Pizza Dough

One of the great things about making your own pizza dough is that you can customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:

Alternative Flours: While 00 flour is ideal, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Just remember to adjust the hydration levels accordingly, as different flours absorb water differently.Using whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and makes the dough a bit heartier. Gluten-free flour is a great option for those with dietary restrictions, but you may need to adjust the water-to-flour ratio to achieve the right consistency.
Herbed Dough: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano or rosemary to your dough for extra flavor.Infusing your dough with herbs like oregano or rosemary can enhance the flavor without overpowering the classic pizza taste. It’s a subtle way to add complexity to the crust.
Garlic or Cheese Crust: Before baking, brush the edges of the dough with garlic butter or sprinkle grated cheese around the crust for a delicious twist.Brushing the crust with garlic butter before baking gives it a golden, flavorful finish. You can also sprinkle parmesan or mozzarella around the edges to create a cheesy crust that rivals any pizzeria’s.

FAQs About Ooni Pizza Dough

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of 00 flour?

Yes, but 00 flour gives the dough a lighter, crispier texture, which is ideal for high-heat cooking in an Ooni oven.

How long should I let Ooni pizza dough rise?

For best results, allow the dough to rise for 2 hours at room temperature, followed by a cold-proofing in the fridge for 12-24 hours.

Why is my pizza dough burning in the Ooni oven?

Ensure the pizza isn’t too close to the flame, and rotate it frequently to prevent burning. Also, make sure your toppings are not too heavy, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Can I freeze Ooni pizza dough?

Yes! After the first rise, divide the dough into portions and freeze them. When you’re ready to use them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious, perfectly cooked pizza using your Ooni pizza dough. Whether you’re sticking to the classic Neapolitan style or trying new variations, the key to great pizza is in the dough. For more creative ways to experiment with dough recipes, take a look at this easy banana brownies recipe for dessert ideas to pair with your pizza night.

Ooni Pizza Dough Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide