The Art of Yeast-Based Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 320ml (1 1/3 cups) warm water (around 37°C / 98°F)
- 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 10g (2 tsp) sugar
- 8g (1 1/2 tsp) sea salt
- 60ml (4 tbsp) olive oil, divided
- Optional: cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast blossoms and becomes foamy on the surface, signifying it’s active.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough
To the activated yeast, add flour and sea salt. Gradually stir in 30ml (2 tbsp) of olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon (or stand mixer on low speed with a dough hook) until a shaggy dough begins to form.
Step 3: Kneading
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 6 minutes. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area until doubled in size, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 5: Forming the Dough (Thin Crust)
Preheat your oven to 250°C (475°F). Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each portion into a circle about 3mm (1/8 inch) thick. Carefully transfer to a pizza stone or a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
Step 6: Forming the Dough (Deep Dish)
For a deep-dish style, instead roll each dough portion to about 1cm (3/8 inch) thick and press into an oiled pan, allowing the dough to climb the sides for depth. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Step 7: Additional Rise and Baking
Allow your shaped dough to rest for another 15-20 minutes. Brush the surfaces with the remaining olive oil. For thin crusts, bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp. For deep-dish, bake at a lower temperature for 20-25 minutes until crusty outside and soft inside.
Conclusion
With your own yeast-based pizza dough, you’re empowered to create authentic and delicious homemade pizza. Whether you’re indulging in a beautifully thin crust pizza or relishing every bite of a deep-dish variant, making pizza at home adds a personal touch to your meal. Experiment with toppings and savor the results—it’s a versatile recipe that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
