Homemade Pizza Dough
Ever since I started making homemade pizza, it's transformed how I spend my Friday nights. There's something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own pizza dough from scratch. Just a few simple ingredients can turn into something truly special. The key to a perfect pizza crust is understanding how each step, from kneading to resting, affects the final result.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet, pizza pan, or baking stone
- Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and a tablespoon of flour with yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine remaining flour, salt, olive oil, and the yeast mixture.
- Knead Dough: Knead until smooth by hand or with a stand mixer. Form into a ball.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Prepare Dough: Punch down the dough, divide into portions, and roll out to desired thickness on a floured surface.
- Bake: Preheat oven, add toppings, and bake until crust is golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 72 per ounce (28g)
- Carbohydrates: 69%
- Fat: 17% (3g total fat)
- Protein: 15%
- One typical pizza crust (8 slices): ~673 calories