Easy Pizza Dough

If you are wondering how to get that perfect crispy pizza crust, you are in luck because everybody loves pizza during summertime, so come on, grab a slice! This easy Pizza Dough recipe can be customized with any sauces and toppings that you love! Bonus – you can even make this Pizza Dough ahead of time and enjoy a pizza-making night with family and friends!

Ingredients

For the Dough

• ¾ cup (175 ml) Warm Water (100-110°F) 

• 3 tsp White Granulated Sugar/Honey (2 tsp + 1 tsp)

• 2¼ tsp (7 grams) Active Dry Yeast

• 2 cups (240 grams) All-Purpose Flour 

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil, for brushing

For the Toppings

• ⅓ cup Tomato Sauce

• 2½ – 3 cups (300-400 grams) Mozzarella Cheese, grated

Method

1. In a measuring cup or bowl, measure out the water and warm it till it reaches a temperature of between 100-110°F.

2. Add two teaspoons of sugar and the yeast, then stir till the sugar dissolves. Keep it aside in a warm place and let the mixture rest until the yeast gets activated and turns frothy on the top.  This should take about 5-6 minutes.

3. While that happens, in the bowl of your stand mixer, add the flour, remaining one teaspoon of sugar, and salt. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed till all the dry ingredients get well combined.  

4. Now pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl of the stand mixture and work it into the flour.  First, put the speed of the mixer on low and then gradually increase it to medium-high speed and keep mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth ball.  If the dough is dry or too wet, you can adjust the consistency by adding more water or flour as required.  Keep kneading the dough for about 4-5 minutes by which time the dough should become soft to the touch and when you press your finger into it, it should spring back.  

5. Dust your counter with a little flour and place the dough on it before shaping it into a tight ball by pulling the dough, tucking it under, and then rolling it in a circular motion on the work surface. 

6. Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough face side down first, then turn it over and cover the bowl with a plastic wrap.  

7. Now place the bowl in a warm dry place for about two hours for the dough to rise.  I like to place it in my oven WITHOUT switching it on but only putting on the light for warmth.  

8. Preheat the oven to 475°F/246°C. When the dough has doubled, dust your work surface generously with all-purpose flour and turn the risen dough onto it.  Now using three fingers of both hands start pressing down the dough while stretching it. You are gradually going to work sideways stretching it to form a circle.  To create an edge, take two fingers of your right hand while using the side of your left hand to keep the shape.  Keep rotating the dough till you have formed the edge all around.  Next, use both your hands to keep stretching the center of the dough to form a thin base. Brush the rim with olive oil for a golden crispy crust.  

9. For the toppings, spoon on the sauce and then spread it around to form a thin layer over the base of the pizza.  Top that with as much cheese as your heart desires.  You could also add any pizza toppings of your choice.  

10. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted, bubbling and the crust has turned golden brown. Cut into the desired number of pieces and enjoy!