Get Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe & master the art of crust perfection

Unleash Your Inner Pizzaiolo: Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough Recipe
Ready to take your homemade pizza to the next level? Look no further than Bobby Flay’s legendary pizza dough recipe. This isn’t your average dough; it’s a culinary masterpiece that delivers a crispy crust with a satisfying chew. Flay’s secret lies in a combination of high-protein flour, a touch of olive oil, and a slow fermentation process that develops incredible flavor.
This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. It’s surprisingly straightforward to follow, yet yields professional-quality results every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with pizzas that taste like they came straight from your favorite pizzeria.
Bobby Flay Pizza Dough Recipe Card
A classic pizza dough recipe from celebrity chef Bobby Flay, perfect for homemade pizza nights.
Essential Ingredients:
- 240 g / 1 cup warm water (around 38°C / 100°F)
- 10 g / 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 10 g / 2 teaspoons salt
- 360 g / 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 15 g / 3 tablespoons olive oil
Equipment:
- Stand mixer or large bowl
- Dough hook or wooden spoon
- Lightly floured surface for kneading
- Large bowl for rising
Timings:
- Rise time: 1-2 hours at room temperature (around 20-25°C / 68-77°F)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 2-3 hours
Get ready to create your own delicious homemade pizza with this simple and flavorful dough recipe from Bobby Flay.
Ingredients for Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough
To make Bobby Flay’s signature pizza dough, the following ingredients are required:
- 480 g / 2 cups of warm water
- 15 g / 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 10 g / 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 720 g / 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 20 g / 4 teaspoons of salt
- 30 g / 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 g / 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
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Optional ingredients:
- 10 g / 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- 10 g / 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- 5 g / 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (for some heat)
These ingredients will yield a delicious, flavorful crust that’s perfect for topping with your favorite ingredients. Note that using high-quality ingredients, such as extra-virgin olive oil, can make a significant difference in the final product.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough
This recipe yields a flavorful, chewy pizza crust that’s perfect for your next homemade pizza night. Follow these simple instructions to create Bobby Flay’s signature dough.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 240 g (1 cup) warm water (40°C/104°F), 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add 600 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch Down the Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half.
- Shape the Dough: Shape each half of the dough into a ball and place it on a lightly floured baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F).
- Bake the Dough: Bake the pizza dough for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough
Mastering the art of pizza dough requires a combination of technique, patience, and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the perfect crust:
- Temperature control is key: Ensure your ingredients, including the water and yeast, are at room temperature (20-22°C / 68-72°F) before mixing. This helps the yeast activate and the dough develop a smooth, even texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together in a shaggy mass. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense crust.
- Let it rest: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for at least 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This helps the yeast ferment and the dough develop a light, airy texture.
- Shape with care: Gently shape the dough into a ball and then into a disk, using a gentle stretching motion to avoid developing the gluten too much.
- Topping combinations matter: Balance your toppings to avoid overwhelming the crust. Aim for a maximum of 3-4 toppings per pizza, and choose ingredients that complement each other in terms of flavor and texture.
Avoid common pitfalls like overworking the dough, using cold ingredients, and overcrowding the pizza with toppings. By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfect Bobby Flay-style pizza dough.
Substitutions and Variations for Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough
To customize Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe, consider the following substitutions and variations. For a gluten-free option, replace 240 g / 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 120 g / 1/2 cup of gluten-free flour blend and 120 g / 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
- Replace 10 g / 2 teaspoons of salt with 10 g / 2 teaspoons of garlic salt for added depth of flavor.
- Use 15 g / 1 tablespoon of olive oil instead of 15 g / 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for a richer taste.
- Add 20 g / 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to the dough for extra flavor.
When making these substitutions, keep the temperature consistent at 230°C / 450°F for optimal crust crispiness. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor for your pizza.
These variations allow for a tailored pizza dough that suits your taste preferences, while maintaining the core characteristics of Bobby Flay’s original recipe.
Creative Variations on Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough
Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to take it beyond the classic pie:
Margherita with a Twist
Embrace simplicity with a classic Margherita. Top the dough with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. For a flavor boost, add a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Mediterranean Delight
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this flavorful combination. Spread a thin layer of hummus on the dough, followed by crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh oregano. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Gourmet White Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with a gourmet white pizza. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese on the dough, then top with roasted garlic, caramelized onions, spinach, and crumbled goat cheese. Bake until the cheese is golden brown.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
For a taste of the south, try this BBQ chicken pizza. Spread a layer of your favorite BBQ sauce on the dough, then top with grilled chicken, red onion, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Storing and Freezing Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough
Once you’ve made your pizza dough, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Refrigerating the Dough
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at 4°C (39°F). Before using, let the dough come to room temperature.
Freezing the Dough
- Place the dough in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Label the bag with the date and contents.
- Store in the freezer at -18°C (0°F) or below.
Thawing Frozen Dough
- Remove the dough from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
- Once thawed, let the dough come to room temperature before using.
When storing or freezing your pizza dough, make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the dough can absorb odors easily.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough
Even with a tried-and-true recipe like Bobby Flay’s pizza dough, issues can arise. To ensure the best results, it’s essential to identify and address common problems promptly.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Overmixing: Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together to avoid developing the gluten in the dough. This will help prevent a tough, dense crust.
- Underproofing: Allow the dough to rise at room temperature (21°C / 70°F) for the recommended time, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for developing the dough’s structure and flavor.
- Crust issues:
- Soggy crust: Pre-bake the crust at 230°C / 450°F for 2-3 minutes to set it before adding toppings.
- Overcooked crust: Bake the pizza at 230°C / 450°F for a shorter time, checking frequently to avoid burning.
- Sticky dough: Add a small amount of flour (15 g / 1 tablespoon) at a time, until the dough reaches the desired consistency. Be cautious not to overdo it, as this can lead to a dense crust.
By being aware of these potential issues and taking steps to address them, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious, authentic pizzas with Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe.
Nutritional Information for Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough
This recipe for Bobby Flay’s pizza dough yields 2 medium-sized pizzas. Each serving (1/2 pizza) provides approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 12g
This pizza dough is made with wheat flour, making it not gluten-free. Please note that nutritional content can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
- Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside.
- Make sure to let the dough rest for at least 24 hours to develop the best flavor and texture.
- Use a kitchen scale to accurately measure the ingredients.
- Can I make Bobby Flay’s pizza dough ahead of time and freeze it? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and let it rise before using.
- How do I achieve a crispy crust using Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe? To achieve a crispy crust, make sure to pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings, and cook in a very hot oven with a pizza stone if possible.

Key Takeaways from Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough Recipe
Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe offers valuable lessons for achieving the perfect crust. One crucial aspect is using a combination of all-purpose flour (240 g / 1 cup) and bread flour (120 g / 1/2 cup) to create a balanced flavor and texture.
- Using active dry yeast (7 g / 2 1/4 teaspoons) and allowing the dough to rise at 24°C / 75°F for 1-2 hours helps develop the crust’s structure.
- Keeping the dough at room temperature (21°C / 70°F) during the shaping process prevents it from becoming too cold and dense.
- Cooking the crust in a preheated oven at 260°C / 500°F for 10-12 minutes achieves the perfect balance of crunch and chew.
By following these key takeaways from Bobby Flay’s pizza dough recipe, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious, authentic-tasting pizzas with a perfectly cooked crust.
Mastering Bobby Flay’s Pizza Dough Recipe
With this recipe, you’ve unlocked the secret to a perfectly crafted pizza dough, reminiscent of Bobby Flay’s signature style. By mastering the art of combining simple ingredients and precise techniques, you’re now ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations – the possibilities are endless! Try adding some spicy peppers or caramelized onions to give your pizza a unique twist.
Now that you’ve conquered this recipe, explore more of our pizza and bread recipes to take your baking skills to the next level.
