Simple Pizza Dough

This pizza dough recipe is perfect for beginners. It uses 7 simple, common ingredients and the steps are fool-proof, for those worried about working with yeast and getting the dough to rise correctly. It yields enough for a large pizza for family dinners, or can be easily split in up to 4 balls for personalized pizzas, which makes a great activity for kids.

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups of hot water (between 100o and 110o F)

1 envelope (7 grams) active yeast

1 Tablespoon Sugar

2 Tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing

1 Tsp salt

3 1/2 cups bread flour

Corn starch to sprinkle

Mixing Instructions:

1. In large bowl, whisk together hot water, yeast, & sugar
2. Let stand for 5 minutes. It should start blooming (i.e., foaming slightly)
3. Once blooming, add olive oil, salt and flour. Mix using a whisk or rubber spatula until dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface, such as a cutting board
5. Dust your hands in flour and knead dough for 5 minutes. Do not knead longer than it takes to form a smooth ball
6. Brush dough with olive oil, place back in bowl, and cover with a clean dish towel
7. Let rise for at least 90 minutes

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 475oF
2. Lightly dust your pizza pan with cornstarch
3. Uncover pizza dough and gently begin to stretch it (not too much or it will tear) as you rotate it in your hands to create a circle. Continue until you have reached the diameter you want
   • Note: If using a rectangular pan, you can place it on the pan and use a pin roller to spread it out evenly
4. Place the crust on the baking sheet. Then, going around the edge of the pizza, lightly pinch the dough all the way around the diameter to create the crust
5. Brush the crust with another coat of olive oil
6. Add your sauce, cheese, and toppings of choice
7. Place in the middle rack of the oven and back for 20-25 minutes, or until crust is light brown, checking frequently
8. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, cut, and enjoy!