Homemade Pizza Dough


I love homemade pizza.  Once I started making it, I found myself with no desire to purchase it any longer.  It has to be really good. 

Pizza dough is so easy to throw together - I use my food processor.  I typically mix up a couple batches of the dough at the beginning of the month and freeze it in single pie servings.  I can then use it throughout the month, letting it defrost in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours prior to using it.  Dough that has been frozen needs no special instructions, prepare and bake as though it were fresh.

Pizza Dough
-makes 2 lbs dough, enough for 3- 12" pizzas

4 1/4 c. bread flour, plus extra if needed for the counter
1 envelope (2 1/4 t.) instant or rapid rise yeast
1 1/2 t. salt
1 T. granulated sugar {optional}
2 T. olive oil (canola oil can also be used)
1 3/4 c. warm water, 105 - 110 degrees Fahrenheit

Using a food processor:  Pulse 4c. the flour, the yeast, sugar and salt in a food processor fitted with a dough blade, if you have it, otherwise with the metal blade.  With the processor running, pour the oil, then the water through the feed tube and process until a ball forms, 30-40 seconds.  Let the dough rest 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Hand Mixing:  Whisk 4 c. the flour, the yeast and salt in a large bowl.  Add the oil and water, stirring with a rubber spatula until the dough comes together and looks shaggy. 

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead by hand to form a smooth, round ball.  Add the 1/4 c. flour as needed to prevent dough from sticking to the counter.  Knead 3-5 times.  Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1-1 1/2 hours.

To bake:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.  Prepare cookie sheet or pizza pan with 2T. cornmeal spread around the pan.  Cut dough into 2 or 3 pieces, depending on the size of your pizza and how thick you want the crust.  Roll out 1 piece and let rest on the counter 10 minutes before transferring dough to the prepared pan.  Add sauce and toppings and bake 15-17 minutes.  Let cool in the pan 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy!

1 comment

  1. Gorgeous pizza pic! Mouth-watering! My husband makes fantastic pizza, but he uses Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix for the dough. Going to get him to try this for sure.

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