Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 0.5 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp instant dry yeast (If using active dry yeast instead, follow the instructions on the package.)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (Plus more for dusting the work surface and dough.)
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (Plus more for greasing the bowl and pizza baking tray.)
• pizza sauce (Amount not specified.)
• pizza toppings (Use toppings of choice; amount not specified.)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the olive oil and instant dry yeast. If using active dry yeast, follow the instructions on the yeast package.

2. 2

   Using a spoon, mix until a shaggy dough begins to form and the flour is mostly hydrated.

3. 3

   Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead for 10–15 minutes, until it is soft, smooth, and bouncy. Form the kneaded dough into a taut round.

4. 4

   Grease a clean, large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it so it is coated with oil on all sides.

5. 5

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for at least 1 hour, or for up to 24 hours.

6. 6

   Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface.

7. 7

   Knead the dough for about 1 minute, then cut it into 2 equal portions and shape each portion into a round.

8. 8

   Lightly flour the dough rounds, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour while preparing the sauce and any other toppings.

9. 9

   Preheat the oven to the highest setting it allows, between 450°F and 500°F (230°C and 260°C).

10. 10

    Roll each dough round into the desired shape. Lightly grease the pizza baking tray with olive oil and place the shaped dough on it.

11. 11

    Bake the plain pizza dough for 5 minutes.

12. 12

    Remove the partially baked dough from the oven and add pizza sauce and the toppings of your choice.

13. 13

    Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 15 more minutes, or until the crust and cheese are golden brown.

14. 14

    Slice the pizzas and enjoy.

Notes

The source does not specify the amount or type of pizza sauce, cheese, or other toppings. It also does not specify whether the two pizzas should be baked together or separately, so use a tray and oven arrangement that accommodates your equipment.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pizza
• Italian
• vegetarian
• baked
• yeast dough
• family-style