The Perfect Pizza Dough Recipe

  • 13 years ago
This soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside recipe makes enough for two pizzas, which is good, since you’ll find one isn’t enough!
Prep time: 5 min. total tiMe: 2 hours and 25 min. Makes: two 12-in. (30 cm) crusts

1 cup (250 mL) very warm water (120°F to 130°F/ 50°C to 55°C)
1⁄2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 envelope instant yeast
3 1⁄4–3 1⁄2 cups (810 to 875 mL) Compliments All Purpose Flour, divided
1⁄2 tsp (2 mL) Sensations by Compliments Pure 100% Olive Oil

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine water, salt and yeast. Add 1 cup250 mL) flour and mix with a wooden spoon until a loose batter forms. Add another 2 cups (500 mL) flour and mix a few min. more, until a ragged batter forms. If dough feels too stiff, add more water, 1 tbsp (15 mL) at a time, up to 1⁄3 cup (75 mL).

2. Knead for 6 to 8 min. on a countertop dusted with 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) flour or place in the bowl of an electric mixer using the dough hook, until flour is incorporated and dough is smooth and firm. If dough feels sticky, add remaining 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) flour.

3. shape into a ball and transfer dough to a deep, oiled bowl. Turn dough over a few times until well coated in oil. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a tea towel (if making ahead, you can refrigerate overnight at this point). Allow dough to rise in a warm place for 2 hrs. until doubled in size.

4. Punch down dough and divide evenly into 2 pieces. On a well-floured surface, roll each crust out to a 12-in. (30 cm) circle, about 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 in. (3 to 5 mm) thick.