Artisan Pizza Dough

In recent years, the allure of homemade pizza has captured the hearts and palates of culinary enthusiasts around the globe. The joy of crafting a personalized pizza, from selecting the toppings to experimenting with different sauces, creates a unique dining experience that store-bought pizzas can rarely match. However, a great pizza begins with an equally great foundation: the dough. The right pizza dough can elevate your culinary creation from ordinary to extraordinary, making it crucial for any pizza lover to master the art of dough-making.

Discover the joy of making your own artisan pizza dough with this easy recipe! Using just a few simple ingredients like flour, sea salt, and instant yeast, you can create a delicious base for your favorite toppings. Follow the steps to knead, rise, and shape the dough, and watch as it transforms into a golden, crispy crust in the oven. Perfect for family dinners or a fun night in with friends, this delightful dough is sure to impress! Enjoy fresh, homemade pizzas anytime.

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1½ teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon instant yeast

1½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for slightly sweet dough)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sea salt, and instant yeast. If using, add the honey or sugar.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Gently stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover 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.

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 2 or 4 equal parts, depending on how large you want your pizzas.

Shape each portion into a ball, and cover them with a towel. Let them rest for about 30 minutes to relax the gluten.

Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 475°F or 245°C) with a pizza stone inside, if you have one.

Roll out one dough ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness and diameter, shaping the edges slightly thicker for a crust.

Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or a floured surface. Add your favorite toppings.

Carefully slide the pizza onto your preheated stone or baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Slice and serve hot!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 2 large pizzas (or 4 personal-sized pizzas)