Homemade Italian Pizza Crust Recipe

Ingredients

  • Double Zero Flour (2 cups)
  • warm water (3/4 cup)
  • olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • active dry yeast (1 1/4 teaspoon)
  • sugar (1/2 teaspoon)
  • salt (1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Fill a microwaveable container with 3/4 cup filtered water.
    • Heat to the required temperature per the yeast packet instructions* (Usually 120-130 degrees F / 49 -54 degrees C).
    • I typically heat for 50 seconds in the microwave - less for Fleischmann's Traditional Active Yeast.
    • * 100F for Fleischmann's Traditional Active Yeast.
  2. Proof the yeast by: stirring 1/2 teaspoon of sugar into the water and then adding 1 1/4 teaspoon of yeast once the proper temperature has been reached and stirring.
  3. Take a bowl and add 2 cups of flour and a pinch of salt. Stir to mix.
  4. Pour in water, yeast, sugar mixture to flour.
  5. Add 2 tbsp olive oil.
  6. Stir in bowl until dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl.
  7. Flour a work surface and remove dough from bowl.
  8. Knead until you form a smooth dough ball (around 50 kneads should do).
  9. After kneading, dough should be soft and smooth.
  10. Take a clean bowl and coat the inside lightly with olive oil.
  11. Place dough inside of bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a towel to rest for at least 2 hours (the longer, the better).
    • The plastic wrap will protect the dough from air exposure, which can harden the dough.
  12. Dough should have risen after resting for at least 2 hours.
    • Heat the oven to 500 degrees F or 260 degrees C.
    • Lightly flour a work surface.
    • To make a thin crispy crust for a pizza: divide the dough ball in half. Work one dough ball, and set the second aside (covered) to make another pizza.
    • To make a "pan" style pizza: work and stretch the entire pizza ball.
    • Work and stretch your ball into the desired size working from the inside out.
  13. Place pizza on a pan coated with olive oil.
  14. Take a fork and poke a few holes into the dough to prevent major air bubbles.
  15. Bake at 500 for 5-7 minutes to allow crust to crisp.
  16. After pre-bake, remove from oven and add toppings (sauce, cheese, toppings).
  17. Bake 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is browned.

Source: The Best Homemade Italian Pizza Crust Recipe | Elicit Folio