Artisan Pizza Dough

There's something magical about the aroma of fresh pizza wafting through your home. The joy of creating a homemade pizza, complete with your favorite toppings, is a culinary delight that many cherish. However, the secret to a truly exceptional pizza lies not only in the toppings but significantly in the crust. At the heart of every remarkable pizza is a well-crafted pizza dough, and this is where artisan pizza dough shines.

Create delicious, restaurant-quality artisan pizza at home with this easy dough recipe! Featuring simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, this dough comes together in just a few steps. You'll love how it rises to create a perfect, chewy crust that’s ready for your favorite toppings. With a prep time of only 15 minutes, you can have fresh, homemade pizzas ready in no time. Gather your friends and family to enjoy a fun pizza night!

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

Cornmeal (for dusting)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.

Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture and the olive oil.

Knead the Dough: Mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Divide and Shape: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 2-4 equal portions, depending on your desired pizza size. Shape each portion into a ball.

Second Rise: Place the dough balls on a floured surface, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them rest for another 30-60 minutes.

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal.

Stretch the Dough: Take one portion of dough and flatten it into a round shape. Use your fingers and palms to stretch it out, keeping the edges thicker for the crust. Transfer to the prepared pizza peel or baking sheet.

Top and Bake: Add your favorite toppings to the dough, then transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and serve hot!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 2-4 pizzas