How-To: Pizza Dough

Is it just me or is delivery pizza costing a lot these days? I think our last pizza pie cost something like $17. The convenience is so nice some nights, but I always feel guilty knowing that I can make my own for less than $4. 

And it tastes so yummy. Every time I make my own, I swear I won't buy delivery again.

This recipe makes enough dough for an 11-inch round pizza. This feeds two mildly hungry people, or 1 very hungry person. (Actually, this is usually enough for the three of us, especially with a salad on the side.) This recipe is easily doubled if you want to make enough to fill a pizza stone or make more than one pizza. 

Pizza Dough

Makes one 11-inch round

1 cup bread flour (yes, bread flour. All-purpose won't work here)

3/4 tsp instant or rapid-rise yeast

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. olive oil

7 T. warm water (about 110 degrees)

Whisk together flour, yeast and salt.

Add olive oil...

...and water. Don't lose count of the tablespoons!

Then give it a quick mix. 

Don't worry if the olive oil and flour don't completely incorporate 

because kneading will take care of that.

At this point, you can dump the mixture out on the counter.

Shape into a rough ball, and begin to knead.

Alternatively, you can knead in a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook. 

Knead on low for 5 - 10 minutes, until dough is smooth and cohesive.

(You can also make this in a food processor fitted with a dough blade.Mix the dry ingredients together in the processor. Then while the processor is running, pour the oil and water through the feed tube. Process for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until a ball of dough forms. Then turn dough out onto the counter and form a smooth ball.)

If kneading by hand, knead until the dough is smooth 

and all the ingredients are incorporated well, about 10 minutes. 

Cover.

And let rise until doubled. About an hour or so.

Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured counter and roll out the dough.

If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a minute to relax the dough.

Roll out to an 11-inch diameter.

Then you are ready to proceed with your pizza recipe. 

Add your favorite sauce and toppings and bake at 400 degrees 

until crust is crisp and cheese is melted.

*My favorite pizza recipe coming soon*

This recipe is from Cooking for Two 2010.