Thin Crust Pizza Dough (Yeast-Free!)

If you've ever seen the amazing Bill Murray movie What About Bob?, you already know his theory of the world that claims there are only two kinds of people in it—those who like Neil Diamond and those who don't. Well, I don't know exactly how I feel about Neil Diamond, but that's also how I categorize people, except I substitute ND with pizza. And even within the group of people who like pizza, there are those who like it and those who love it. I really love it. Actually, if I were brave enough, I would admit to you that I had it yesterday for lunch, ate pizza rolls later as a late night snack, and I'm having it again today for lunch. It just always sounds good!

I like all kinds of pizza, but thin crust has a special place in my heart, and I wanted to find a fast and easy thin crust recipe so I could make pizza from scratch more often. If you're wanting to cut down your pizza dough making time, a yeast-free option is the way to go, and I tried a few options before I found one that I think is the best.

Thin Crust Pizza Dough (Yeast-Free), makes two 10" pizzas.
Slightly adapted from this thin crust recipe

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil

Mix your flour, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl. Mix your water and olive oil together in a separate small bowl and add into the dry mixture as you stir. When it's almost combined, use your hands to gently knead the dough together. Add small amounts of extra water if needed. You want your dough to be dry enough that it doesn't stick to your hands, but wet enough to stay together when you squeeze it.

Once the dough is the right consistency, divide it into two balls, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.

You can roll out your dough between two sheets of wax paper, but I actually like using a lightly floured counter instead (I think I can get it a little thinner that way). You want to get the dough as thin as possible, but shoot for around 1/8" thick.

Turn your oven to 425˚F and lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza pan. Place the dough on the sheet and prebake your crust for about 10 minutes or until the crust just begins to brown slightly.

Add your sauce, cheese, and pizza toppings, and bake your pizza for another 10 minutes or until the cheese and crust are golden brown. Slice and serve immediately.

Your crust should be thin and crispy, so adjust your prebaking times as needed to get that perfect crunchy bite. I'm so glad to finally have an easy and quick thin crust option available for when that pizza craving hits. Which, as you already know, is pretty often. Are you team thin crust or thick when it comes to pizza? (Hint: There's no wrong answer!) xo. Laura

Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.