Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner, a weekend pizza night, or feeding a hungry crowd on game day, this dough is up to the task. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to work with, and bakes into a thick, hand-tossed style crust that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Once you try this recipe, you’ll have a reliable homemade pizza dough that’s ready whenever the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Same Day Pizza Dough Recipe

• Can also be cold fermented for even more flavor when you have extra time.

• Ready to bake in just a few hours—no overnight wait required.

• Made with simple pantry staples you probably already have.

• Beginner-friendly and easy to mix, knead, and shape.

• Bakes into a soft, chewy crust with a beautifully golden exterior.

• Perfect for pizza stones, baking steels, or standard baking sheets.

• Great for weeknight dinners, family pizza nights, and game day gatherings.

• Holds up well to your favorite toppings without becoming soggy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient amounts below make one 12-inch thick-crust pizza dough. If you’re making pizza for a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of dough balls you need.

• Bread flour – Provides the strength needed for a chewy, pizzeria-style crust.
• Warm water – Hydrates the flour and helps activate the yeast for a good rise.
• Instant yeast – Leavens the dough and creates a light, airy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Feeds the yeast and encourages a beautifully browned crust.
• Fine sea salt – Enhances the flavor and strengthens the dough structure.
• Olive oil – Adds richness, improves texture, and helps keep the crust tender.

How to Make

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast has dissolved, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the bread flour and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add the salt and olive oil, then knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and only slightly tacky.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Fold the edges toward the center several times to create surface tension, then roll it into a smooth, tight ball.

Place the dough into a lightly oiled dough container or bowl, cover, and let it rest for 30–60 minutes.

Tips for the Best Same Day Pizza Dough

A few simple tips can make the difference between good homemade pizza and a pizza that tastes like it came from your favorite pizzeria.

• For the best flavor, cold ferment the dough. If you have extra time, refrigerate the dough for 24–72 hours, then let it come to room temperature for 1–2 hours before stretching and baking. The crust will have a deeper flavor, better texture, and improved browning.

• Use a kitchen scale. Measuring ingredients by weight is the easiest way to make sure your dough turns out the same every time.

• Don’t use water that’s too hot. Warm water between 100–105°F (38–41°C) is ideal. Hotter water can damage the yeast, while cooler water will slow the rise.

• Knead until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft, stretchy, and only slightly tacky. If it tears easily, it likely needs a little more kneading.

• Give the dough enough time to rise. Rather than watching the clock, look for the dough to double in size. A warmer kitchen will speed up the process, while a cooler kitchen may require extra time.

• Preheat your pizza stone or baking steel. Let it heat for at least 45–60 minutes before baking to help create a crisp bottom crust and great oven spring.

Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings. Too many toppings can make the center soggy and prevent the crust from baking evenly.

Dust your work surface lightly. A small amount of flour makes the dough easier to stretch without sticking, but using too much can make the crust dry.

Print

Same Day Pizza Dough

Skip the store-bought dough and make your own homemade pizza crust from scratch! This same day pizza dough is easy to prepare, has a delicious chewy texture, and is ready to turn into your favorite pizza without waiting overnight.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Easy Pizza Dough, Homemade Pizza, Quick Pizza Dough Recipe, Same Day Pizza Dough

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Rise Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings 1 Pizza Dough

Ingredients

• 260 grams bread flour
• 164 grams warm water
• 5 grams fine sea salt
• 2 grams instant yeast
• 3 grams sugar
• 7 grams olive oil

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast has dissolved, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
• Add the bread flour and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add the salt and olive oil, then knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and only slightly tacky.
• Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Fold the edges toward the center several times to create surface tension, then roll it into a smooth, tight ball.

  Place the dough into a lightly oiled dough container or bowl, cover, and let it rest for 30–60 minutes.

Notes

These ingredients make one 12-inch thick-crust pizza dough. If you’re making pizza for a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of dough balls you need.

Final Thoughts

That’s all there is to making this Same Day Pizza Dough! Once your dough has finished resting, you’re ready to shape it however you like, add your favorite toppings, and bake it into a delicious homemade pizza. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, family pizza night, or game day feast, this recipe delivers a soft, chewy, pizzeria-style crust without the wait.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share your favorite topping combinations, and don’t forget to rate the recipe to help other home cooks find it.

The post Same Day Pizza Dough Recipe appeared first on Tasty Forking Food.

Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, pork chops, or roasted vegetables, this garlic butter rice pairs with almost everything. The butter creates a silky finish while fresh garlic infuses every bite with incredible flavor without overpowering the rice.

The best part? This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still tasting like something you’d get at a restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 20 minutes
• Uses pantry staple ingredients
• Rich buttery flavor
• Perfectly fluffy rice every time
• Goes with almost any protein
• Family-friendly
• Easily customizable with herbs, Parmesan, or vegetables

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Ingredient Notes

Long-Grain White Rice

Long-grain rice stays fluffy and separate after cooking, making it ideal for this recipe.

Butter

Use real butter for the richest flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning.

Garlic

Fresh garlic makes a huge difference. Jarred garlic works in a pinch but won’t have quite the same aroma.

Chicken Broth

Cooking the rice in broth instead of water adds another layer of savory flavor.

How to Make Buttery Garlic Rice

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.

This removes excess starch and helps produce fluffy rice.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Do not let the garlic brown.

Step 3

Add the rinsed rice.

Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently so every grain becomes coated in the garlic butter.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth.

Add the salt and pepper.

Bring everything to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from the heat.

Leave covered for 10 minutes.

Fluff gently with a fork.

Stir in fresh parsley and, if desired, a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips for Perfect Rice

Rinse First

Removing excess starch helps keep the grains fluffy instead of sticky.

Don’t Peek

Leave the lid on while the rice cooks so the steam can finish the cooking process.

Let It Rest

Allowing the rice to sit for 10 minutes after cooking creates the perfect texture.

Toast the Rice

Cooking the rice briefly in butter before adding liquid adds a subtle nutty flavor.

Delicious Variations

Parmesan Garlic Rice

Add ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan after fluffing.

Herb Butter Rice

Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

Lemon Garlic Rice

Finish with fresh lemon zest and juice.

Spicy Garlic Rice

Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.

Mushroom Garlic Rice

Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic.

What to Serve With Buttery Garlic Rice

This rice pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken breasts
• Pan-seared salmon
• Garlic butter shrimp
• Smoked pork chops
• BBQ ribs
• Beef tips
• Steak
• Meatballs
• Roasted vegetables
• Air fryer chicken thighs

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Microwave with a tablespoon of water for about one minute.

Or warm gently in a skillet with a little butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use jasmine rice?

Yes. Jasmine rice gives the dish a slightly floral aroma and softer texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It reheats very well.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but increase the cooking time according to the package directions.

Print

Buttery Garlic Rice

Learn how to make the best buttery garlic rice recipe with butter, fresh garlic, and chicken broth. This easy side dish is fluffy, flavorful, and ready in only 20 minutes.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword buttery garlic rice, easy rice side dish, fluffy rice, garlic butter rice, garlic rice recipe, homemade garlic rice, rice recipe, stovetop rice recipe, weeknight side dish

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Rest Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 285kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley

Instructions

• Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Sauté the garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the rice and toast for 2 minutes.
• Add the broth, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil.
• Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork, stir in parsley, and serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to impress guests, this buttery garlic rice delivers every time. The combination of toasted rice, rich butter, fragrant garlic, and savory broth creates a versatile dish that complements nearly any main course. Keep this recipe in your regular rotation, and you’ll always have an easy, crowd-pleasing side ready to round out dinner.

The post The Best Buttery Garlic Rice Recipe (Fluffy, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes) appeared first on Tasty Forking Food.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to overthink dinner. It’s beginner-friendly, forgiving, and easy to scale up for a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, hosting friends, or firing up the griddle on the weekend, this sauce fits right in.

From smash burgers and burger bowls to fries and sandwiches, this sauce does it all. It’s a guaranteed crowd favorite that even picky eaters love. If you want bold flavor with minimal effort, this smash burger sauce deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in minutes using simple pantry ingredients
• No cooking required – just mix and serve
• Classic smash-burger flavor the whole family will love
• Perfect for burgers, bowls, fries and sandwiches
• Easy to make ahead for busy weeknights or game day

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Yellow or Dijon Mustard
• Dill or Sweet pickle relish
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Montreal Steak Seasoning
  • You can also use salt, pepper and garlic powder.

How to Make

1. Add all ingredients to a bowl.
   • Place every ingredient for the smash burger sauce into a medium mixing bowl. Using a slightly larger bowl makes mixing easier and less messy.
2. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
   • Stir well until the sauce is creamy and uniform, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Taste and adjust as needed.
   • Give the sauce a quick taste and adjust seasoning to your preference. You can add more tang, sweetness or seasoning if needed.
4. Serve immediately or chill.
   • The sauce can be used immediately, but letting it rest for 1-2 hours helps deepen the flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Let it rest for best flavor.
  • While the sauce can be used right away, letting in rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours allows the flavors to fully come together.
• Adjust the consistency.
  • If the sauce is too thick, stir in a small splash of milk or pickle juice until it reaches your desired texture.
• Make it tangier.
  • Add a little extra mustard or pickle juice for classic burger-joint tang.
• Add a touch of heat.
  • Mix in hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika for a little kick.
• Sweeten it slightly.
  • A small amount of sugar or honey can balance the tang if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
• Make it ahead.
  • This sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it great for meal prep or game day.

What to Serve With This

This smash burger sauce is incredibly versatile and works with more than just burgers. Use it as a spread, drizzle, or dip and pairs well with a wide variety of meals and snacks.

• Smash burgers or classic cheeseburgers
• Burger bowls with rice, beef, cheese and toppings
• French fries, waffle fries, or sweet potato fries
• Chicken sandwiches, wraps or sliders
• Grilled or roasted vegetables
• As a dipping sauce for nuggets or tenders

Storage

Store smash burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best flavor and texture, give it a quick stir before using, as ingredients may naturally settle over time.

This sauce is great for making ahead and often tastes even better after resting in the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the creamy base may separate once thawed.

Print

Easy Homemade Smash Burger Sauce

A quick, no-cook smash burger sauce made with simple ingredients and classic diner flavor.

Keyword burger bowl sauce, burger sauce, easy burger sauce, homemade smash burger sauce, smash burger recipe, smash burger sauce

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Equipment

• Medium mixing bowl
• Spoon or whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp dill or sweet pickle relish
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Montreal steak seasoning

Instructions

• Place all of the ingredients into a medium mixing bowl.
• Mix until smooth and fully combined.
• Serve immediately, or let the sauce rest for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to fully come together.

Notes

• For best flavors, let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more pickle juice, mustard, or sweetness if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Stir before serving, as ingredients may naturally settle.

Final Thoughts

This easy homemade smash burger sauce proves that big flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a couple minutes of prep, you get a sauce that instantly upgrades burgers, bowls, fries, and more.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a backyard cookout, or game day, this sauce fits right in. Keep it in your fridge, use it often, and make it your own — simple recipes like this are the ones you’ll come back to again and again.

The post Easy Homemade Smash Burger Sauce Recipe appeared first on Tasty Forking Food.

These six tips focus on what actually matters when cooking pizza in a home oven and will instantly improve your results.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Use a Pizza Stone, Not a Metal Pan

If you’re serious about better pizza, a pizza stone is essential.

Metal pizza pans and baking sheets heat up quickly, but they also lose heat just as fast. A pizza stone absorbs and retains heat, transferring it directly into the dough the moment the pizza hits the surface. This is what creates a crisp bottom crust instead of a soft or soggy one.

If you’ve ever wondered why your pizza tastes good but lacks texture, the pan is often the problem.

2. Preheat the Pizza Stone in the Oven

A pizza stone only works if it’s fully heated.

Place the stone in the oven before turning it on and let it heat gradually as the oven preheats. Never place a cold stone into a hot oven, and don’t wait until the last minute to add it.

When it’s time to bake, use a pizza peel to slide the pizza directly onto the stone while it stays inside the oven.

3. Set Your Oven to Its Highest Temperature

Most home ovens top out between 500–550°F, and you should take full advantage of that.

Ignore the instructions on the pizza box. Those temperatures are designed for convenience, not quality. Pizza cooks best in high heat, which helps the dough rise quickly, browns the crust, and prevents toppings from overcooking.

4. Give the Stone Extra Time to Heat

Even if your oven says it’s preheated, the stone may still be much cooler.

Pizza stones often need 20–30 additional minutes to fully absorb heat. For the best results, the stone should be close to the oven’s maximum temperature before the pizza ever touches it.

A heat gun is an easy way to confirm this and remove all guesswork.

5. Choose Frozen Pizzas With Raw Dough

If you’re using frozen pizza, look for options made with raw or rising crust dough.

These pizzas bake more like fresh pizza and respond much better to high heat and a pizza stone. Fully pre-baked frozen pizzas tend to dry out and don’t develop the same texture.

6. Don’t Bake Frozen Pizza Straight From the Freezer

Cooking pizza straight from frozen often leads to uneven results.

Letting the pizza partially or fully defrost helps the dough cook evenly and improves texture. Even 20–30 minutes at room temperature can make a noticeable difference.

Recommended Pizza Tools (Affiliate Links)

This section contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Pizza Stones for Home Ovens

A quality pizza stone is the foundation of better homemade pizza. A good stone holds heat, improves crust texture, and mimics the high-heat environment of a pizza oven.

What to look for:

• Cordierite or ceramic material
• At least 5/8-inch thick
• Rated for 500°F+ ovens

Pizza Peels for Easy Transfers

A pizza peel makes it easy to slide pizza onto a hot stone without burning yourself or losing heat from the oven.

Why it matters:

• Prevents misshapen pizzas
• Keeps the stone hot
• Makes loading and unloading safe

Infrared Thermometer for Perfect Stone Temperature

An infrared thermometer removes the guesswork by letting you check your pizza stone’s surface temperature instantly.

Ideal features:

• Instant-read infrared sensor
• Reads up to at least 600°F
• Simple one-button operation

Final Thoughts

Making better pizza in a home oven isn’t about complicated recipes or expensive equipment—it’s about heat, timing, and the right setup. A properly preheated pizza stone, a hot oven, and a few simple adjustments can dramatically improve your results.

Once you dial in these basics, you’ll stop settling for average pizza and start getting consistent, restaurant-quality results at home.

If you’re just getting started, focus on mastering one change at a time. Small upgrades make a big difference.

The post 6 Tips for better pizza in a home oven appeared first on Tasty Forking Food.