Introduction

Crazy Dough is a versatile, easy-to-make dough that serves as the perfect base for everything from pizza and naan to cinnamon rolls and cheesy loaves. With a simple mix of yogurt, yeast, and a few pantry staples, this dough yields soft, flavorful results every time.

Crazy Dough: Versatile All-Purpose Dough for Pizza, Naan, Rolls, and More Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1/2 cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) milk
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast (needs sponging*)
3 1/3 cups (16 1/2 oz/500 g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup (6 oz/180 g) plain yogurt
1 whole egg*

Instructions

Step 1: In a small jug, stir together the lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 15 minutes until the yeast activates and the mixture becomes foamy and starts expanding.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt and egg.
Step 4: Once the yeast mixture is activated, add it along with the yogurt-egg mix to the dry ingredients. Use a fork to stir everything together until it forms a loose, sticky dough.
Step 5: Adjust the dough texture if needed: add a little milk or water if too dry, or a bit of flour if too soft.
Step 6: Gently knead or fold the dough until it forms a rough ball.
Step 7: Cover the bowl tightly with cling wrap and a tea towel. Place it in a warm spot to proof for 2 hours, until the dough has roughly doubled in size.
Step 8: Use the risen dough to make your choice of cheesy loaf, pizza, naan bread, savory stuffed rolls, cinnamon rolls, pretzels, jalapeño & cheese stuffed dinner rolls, or braided Nutella loaf.

Tips & Variations

For instant yeast, use half the amount indicated for active dry yeast.
If the dough feels sticky during kneading, dust your hands lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Try adding herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor when making savory items.
You can swap plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a richer texture.

Storage

Store the dough in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in cling wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough. To reuse, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What does “sponging” the yeast mean?

Sponging is the process of activating yeast by mixing it with warm liquid (milk) and a bit of sugar. The liquid should be body temperature—neither hot nor cold. After about 5 minutes, a foamy layer should appear, showing the yeast is active and ready to use.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast by using half the quantity specified for active dry yeast. Instant yeast does not require sponging and can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.

Crazy Dough: Versatile All-Purpose Dough for Pizza, Naan, Rolls, and More Recipe

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4.5 from 350 reviews

Crazy Dough is a versatile and easy-to-make all-purpose dough perfect for a variety of baked goods including cheesy loaf, pizza, naan bread, savory stuffed rolls, cinnamon rolls, pretzels, and more. This recipe uses a combination of active dry yeast, plain yogurt, and basic pantry ingredients to create a soft, slightly tangy dough that rises beautifully and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for future use.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: Varies depending on final recipe use, typically 15-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including proofing time)
Yield: One large batch of dough, approximately enough for one standard loaf or equivalent volume for other bread items
Category: Bread/Dough
Method: Stovetop (for initial yeast activation) and No-Cook (mixing and proofing dough), with baking as a subsequent step depending on final product
Cuisine: International/General

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Sponge

1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) lukewarm milk
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Dry Ingredients

3 1/3 cups (16 1/2 oz / 500 g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup (6 oz / 180 g) plain yogurt
1 whole egg

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a small jug, combine lukewarm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it stand for about 15 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and starts expanding, indicating the yeast is activated.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the plain yogurt and whole egg until smooth and uniform.
Form the dough: Add the activated yeast mixture and the yogurt-egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Using a fork, stir the ingredients together until a loose, sticky dough forms. Adjust the consistency by adding a little milk or water if too dry, or a little flour if too soft.
Knead the dough: Gently knead and fold the dough until it forms a rough ball. Avoid over-kneading to maintain dough softness.
Proof the dough: Cover the bowl tightly with cling wrap and a tea towel, then place in a warm spot for about 2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
Use or store: Once risen, the Crazy Dough is ready to be shaped and baked into various recipes like cheesy loaf, pizza, or cinnamon rolls. Store leftover dough in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for extended storage.

Notes

If using instant yeast, use half the amount specified for active dry yeast.
Sponging is the process of activating yeast in lukewarm liquid with a bit of sugar to ensure it’s alive and bubbly.
The dough can be adjusted in consistency by adding small amounts of milk, water, or flour as needed.
This dough is very versatile and can be adapted to sweet or savory baked goods.
Proofing in a warm, draft-free place aids optimal rising.
Refrigerate dough if not using immediately; it will keep well for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: Crazy Dough, all-purpose dough, yeast dough, versatile dough recipe, homemade bread dough, easy dough, pizza dough, naan dough, cinnamon roll dough, baking