Making your pizza dough at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dough ready to create the perfect homemade pizza. Here’s a straightforward recipe to follow, whether you’re a pizza pro or a beginner.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus extra for greasing the bowl)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus a bit more for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the sugar in 1 cup of warm water (between 110°F to 115°F) in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
Once the yeast is activated, add the olive oil and salt. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and gradually mix in the flour. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together. Let the machine knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. (If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can pulse the dough in a food processor or knead it by hand in a large bowl.)
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure it’s smooth and soft. Then, place it in a bowl that’s been lightly coated with olive oil. Turn the dough in the bowl so that it’s covered with oil, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface and divide it into two parts for large pizzas, or four parts if you’re making individual-sized pizzas. Roll each piece into a tight ball and let them rest under plastic wrap or a floured kitchen towel in a warm place for another 30 to 45 minutes to rise again.
Note: If you’re not ready to use the dough right away, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
5. Preheat the Oven:
Place a pizza stone in the oven if you have one, and sprinkle a pizza peel (or baking sheet) with flour to prevent sticking. Preheat the oven to 500°F to ensure the stone is nice and hot.
6. Stretch the Dough:
On a floured surface, gently press the dough flat with your fingers. Then, carefully drape it over your fists and rotate it to stretch the edges, creating a pizza circle to your preferred size and thickness.
7. Add Toppings & Bake:
Place the shaped dough onto your floured pizza peel or baking sheet. Add your favourite toppings, then transfer it to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your dough, until the crust is golden and crispy.
Favourite Topping Ideas:
- The French Pig: Pancetta, sautéed leeks, apple slices, brie, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
- The Motley Que: Pulled chicken, barbecue sauce, red onions, cilantro, and fontina cheese.
- Spicy Hawaiian: Canadian bacon, pineapple, red jalapeños, marinara sauce, and mozzarella.
- Au Naturel: Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh rosemary, olive oil, cracked black pepper, and sea salt.
Enjoy creating your favourite pizza from scratch!
