FAQ About Pizza

Making pizza dough at home is a rewarding process that allows you to customize the crust to your liking. Here's a basic recipe and method for making pizza dough:

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups (440g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and activated.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Combine the ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Add more flour if needed, but avoid adding excessive flour, as it can result in a dense crust.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Second rise (optional): For an even more flavorful and airy crust, you can punch down the risen dough, reshape it into a ball, and let it rise for another 30 minutes to an hour.
7. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, typically around 500-550°F (260-290°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating to achieve a crispier crust.
8. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into desired portions for individual pizzas or leave it as a whole for a large pizza. Shape the dough by stretching and pulling it into your desired size and thickness. Use a rolling pin if needed, but be gentle to avoid compressing the dough too much.
9. Add toppings: Transfer the shaped dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal. Add your desired sauce, cheese, and toppings, leaving a small border for the crust.
10. Bake the pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza (on the baking sheet or pizza peel) to the preheated oven or onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
11. Serve and enjoy: Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice, serve hot, and savor your homemade pizza!