Pizza Dough Recipe

Story behind the recipe

“Makes 1 dough for a 10-12 inch pizza.”

Ingredients

• 2-2.33 cupsall-purpose flour or bread flour, divided (250-295g)
• 1 packetinstant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoon)
• 1.5 teaspoonssugar
• 0.75 teaspoonsalt
• 0.125-0.25 teaspoongarlic powder and/or dried basil leaves (optional)
• 2 tablespoonsolive oil, plus additional for brushing
• 0.75 cupwarm water (175ml)

Directions

1. 1

   Combine 1 cup (125g) of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. If desired, add garlic powder and dried basil at this point as well.

2. 2

   Add olive oil and warm water and use a wooden spoon to stir very well.

3. 3

   Gradually add another 1 cup (125g) of flour. Add any additional flour as needed (up to an additional 1/3 cup), stirring until the dough forms into a cohesive, elastic ball and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough will still be slightly sticky but manageable with your hands.

4. 4

   Drizzle a separate large, clean bowl generously with olive oil and use a pastry brush to brush up the sides of the bowl.

5. 5

   Lightly dust your hands with flour and form the pizza dough into a round ball. Transfer to the olive oil-brushed bowl and roll the dough along the inside of the bowl until coated in olive oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm place.

6. 6

   Allow dough to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 425F (215C) at this point.

7. 7

   Once the dough has risen, use your hands to gently deflate it. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth (about 3-5 times).

8. 8

   Use your hands or a rolling pin to work the dough into a 12-inch circle.

9. 9

   Transfer dough to a parchment paper lined pizza pan and either pinch the edges or fold them over to form a crust.

10. 10

    Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of additional olive oil over the top of the pizza and use a pastry brush to brush the entire surface, including the crust, with olive oil.

11. 11

    Use a fork to poke holes all over the center of the pizza to prevent the dough from bubbling up in the oven.

12. 12

    Add desired toppings and bake in the 425F (215C) preheated oven for 13-15 minutes or until toppings are golden brown. Slice and serve.

Notes