Homemade Classic Pizza & Pizza Dough

Create a delicious homemade pizza with this easy-to-follow recipe, from dough to topping.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 ¾ cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water (105°F-115°F)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (28 ounces) tomato puree
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt

Toppings

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
• Additional toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)

Directions

1. Make the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the warm water. Sprinkle the sugar and yeast over the water and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast bubbles. Add olive oil to the well, then stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to form a rough dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 1 minute until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   One hour before baking, place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the lowest oven rack. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
3. Make the Sauce:
   Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until softened (about 1 minute). Add tomato puree, 2 cups of water, oregano, and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened. Set aside. (You can refrigerate the sauce for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.)
4. Shape the Dough:
   After the dough has risen, divide it into 2 balls. On a lightly floured surface, stretch one ball into a 12- to 14-inch round. Transfer the dough onto parchment paper, then slide the parchment and dough onto a pizza peel or inverted baking sheet.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
   Spread 1/2 cup of sauce thinly over the dough. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella on top. Add any additional toppings of your choice.
6. Bake the Pizza:
   Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let the pizza cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing.
7. Repeat:
   Use the remaining dough and sauce to make the second pizza.

Enjoy your homemade pizza!

Nutrition per serving: 322 calories, 4g fat, 61g carbs, 10g protein.