Are you craving a pizza night but tired of store-bought dough? Imagine a crispy, chewy crust bursting with flavor, crafted entirely in your own kitchen. This recipe, using the renowned King Arthur Flour pizza dough recipe as a base, takes homemade pizza to the next level. It's easier than you think, perfect for busy weeknights, and guarantees a delicious, crowd-pleasing result. Get ready to elevate your pizza game!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas.
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) King Arthur Flour all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Combining Ingredients:
- Stir in the olive oil and salt. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Kneading the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in that perfect pizza texture.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens – the yeast is working hard!
Shaping and Second Rise:
- Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it in half. Shape each half into a ball. Place the dough balls on a lightly floured surface, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rest for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps relax the gluten, leading to a more tender crust.
Preparing the Pizza:
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well.
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Lightly flour a surface and roll out each dough ball into a 12-inch circle or your desired shape. Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
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Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using a pizza stone, bake for a slightly shorter time, as the stone retains heat very efficiently.
Tips for Pizza Perfection:
- Water Temperature: Ensure your water is the correct temperature. Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will slow down the rising process.
- Flour Type: While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier crust.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough crust.
- Even Toppings: Distribute your toppings evenly to ensure even cooking.
Variations:
- Herbs and Spices: Add dried oregano, basil, or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.
- Garlic: Mince some garlic and add it to the dough for a garlicky kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with various cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, or even goat cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on toppings. A plain cheese pizza made with this dough will have approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
Enjoy your homemade pizza! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a quick dinner, healthy meal, and a delicious dish made with love. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, making it one of the best recipes for a fun family night. Share your creations with us!