Here’s a simple and delicious homemade pizza dough recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy and activated.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and the salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is still sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Dough for Baking:
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces for two medium pizzas or leave it whole for one large pizza.
- Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Toppings and Bake:
- Add your favorite toppings to the dough.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Enjoy:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings.
- You can freeze the dough after it rises. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
Enjoy your homemade pizza!