For many pizza enthusiasts, the perfect pizza starts with the perfect dough. It’s the foundation for all the delicious toppings, and it needs to be flavorful, tender, yet slightly chewy. Are you ready to discover the best pizza dough recipe? Look no further! By following this easy recipe, you can create a scrumptious homemade pizza that rivals your favorite pizza joint.

Ingredients:

– 2 ¼ cups (530 ml) warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 5 cups (625 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare yeast mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This step is crucial for activating the yeast.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.

3. Form dough: Start adding the flour mixture to the yeast mixture gradually while stirring with a wooden spoon. Once all of the flour is well incorporated and a shaggy dough starts to form, make a well in the center of the dough and pour in the olive oil.

4. Knead dough: Use your hands to gently fold the dough over itself until fully combined and smooth. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels soft, elastic, and slightly tacky.

5. First rise: Coat the mixing bowl with a thin layer of olive oil and place your pizza dough back in it. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rest in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

6. Divide dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Then, divide it into 2 equal pieces if you want two medium-sized pizzas, or 4 equal pieces for individual-sized pizzas.

7. Second rise: Shape each piece of dough into a round ball and place them on a lightly floured surface. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let them rest for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow for a second rise.

8. Preheat oven: When the dough is ready, preheat your oven as high as it will go (usually around 500°F/260°C). If you use a pizza stone, make sure to place it in the oven during preheating.

9. Roll out dough: On a well-floured surface, roll out each dough ball to your desired thickness (about ⅛-¼ inch), then transfer to parchment paper, a pizza peel, or onto your prepared pizza stone.

10. Add toppings: Now that your pizza base is ready, it’s time to get creative with your toppings! Remember not to overload the dough with too many toppings as this can result in a soggy pizza.

11. Bake: Slide the prepared pizza onto the hot pizza stone or bake it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook at 500°F (260°C) for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.

12. Slice and enjoy: Let your delicious homemade pizza cool for just a couple of minutes before slicing and serving!

And there you have it —with this easy and versatile pizza dough recipe at hand, you’re all set to create the perfect pizza night!