Homemade pizza dough is a versatile and delicious base for creating your own custom pizzas. Here’s a simple pizza dough recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Proof the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Mix the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
• Stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:

• If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it reaches the same consistency.

4. First Rise:

• Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

5. Preheat Your Oven:

• Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, usually around 475-500°F (245-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

6. Shape the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions if you want to make two pizzas. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface into your desired pizza shape.

7. Prepare Your Pizza:

• Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour. This will make it easier to transfer the pizza to the oven.

8. Add Toppings:

• Top your pizza with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings. Get creative!

9. Bake:

• Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or directly onto a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

10. Serve:

• Remove the pizza from the oven using the peel or a spatula. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade pizza! It’s a fantastic canvas for creating your own unique flavors and combinations.