This pizza dough is one of the most simplest recipes with only 7 ingredients…The desire for store-brought dough goes out the window. This dough could create the ultimate thin crust pizza or a thicker pan crust pizza. Which ever you prefer…this recipe has you covered!
How to make Fresh Pizza Dough
The Yeast
Alright…alright…alright…Let’s get started. First things first, to make fresh dough of any kind your going to need yeast. In this recipe, active dry yeast is utilized, so call us old fashion. Active dry yeast has been around since ancient Egypt…To activate this type of yeast a little water and sugar is required. Although, with time things change. In today’s society the particle size of yeast has decreased. Which means that the activation part with water is no longer necessary.
But, why is yeast needed? Yeast plays two roles in developing any kind of bread dough. First role, yeast helps the dough rise, by breaking down the starch molecules in the flour to simple sugars. As this occurs, carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol is formed by the yeast. This leads to the air bubbles and the rise of the dough. The second role yeast plays is developing and strengthening the proteins in the dough. Leading to a more strong flavorful pizza dough.
Making the dough
Now that we have discussed the role of the yeast, let’s make the pizza dough! First, grab a measuring cup and fill it with water. Microwave the water until lukewarm, then add the water to the bowl of an electric mixer. Next, add in the active dry yeast and granulated sugar. Quickly stir these ingredients together and allow them to sit until the yeast begins to form (5 minutes). Afterwards, add in the all purpose flour and salt. Mix on medium speed for 5-8 minutes using the hook attachment for the electric mixer. Once a firm ball is formed, transfer the pizza dough to an oiled glass bowl. Next, add 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to pizza dough. Cover the dough with a warm towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise for 1-2 hours before using.
If aiming for thick crust, use roughly three-fourths of the dough on a pizza pan. But, if your like me and like thin crust pizza…divide the dough evenly into 2 halves. Now, you can enjoy 2 pizzas instead of one! YAY!
You’ve got the dough..listed below are links to our sauce and cute shaped pizzas:
Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Lukewarm water
- 1 tsp Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 cups All purpose Flour
- 2¼ tsp Active dry yeast 1 envelope
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil divided
- 1 Tbsp Garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast and sugar in water. Pour lukewarm water into the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Sprinkle in the yeast and granulated sugar. Allow the yeast to dissolve and foam, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and kosher salt to create a shaggy dough. Add in the flour, garlic powder, and salt. Stir the mixture using a spatula until a more shaggy floury dough is formed. Next, add in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
- Knead the dough on medium speed for 5-8 minutes. Using the dough hook attachment of the electric mixer, knead the dough on medium speed until nice and smooth. The ball formed should be a little tacky, but bounces back when poked.
- Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour. Coat a clean mixing bowl with oil, and transfer the pizza dough to the bowl. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil on top of the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damped warm dish towel. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Cut the dough in half. Working with one piece at the time, pat the dough on to a pizza sheet. Spread out the dough using your fingertips, allow the dough to rest on the pizza sheet for a few minutes before adding sauce and toppings.
- Bake the pizza for 6-10 minutes. Slide the pizza into the oven and allow to bake until the cheese is completely melted and the crust is golden brown. (Baking times may vary if using a thicker pizza crust).
- Cool and enjoy! After removing the pizza from the oven, allow to cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving. This step prevents the toppings from oozing all over the place.