The primary ingredient in traditional pizza dough is flour, specifically bread flour or all-purpose flour. The flour provides the necessary structure and gluten content, which gives the dough elasticity and chewiness. To make pizza dough, flour is typically combined with water, yeast, salt, and sometimes sugar and olive oil. The yeast ferments the sugars and creates carbon dioxide, causing the dough to rise and develop flavor. After kneading, the dough is allowed to rest or rise before shaping it into a pizza base. This foundational component is essential for creating the crust, which holds the toppings and enhances the overall taste.