Create a delicious homemade pizza dough with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for any pizza night.
Combine the warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed using a stand mixer until combined, then knead on medium speed for 8-10 minutes.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for dough rising.
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside for at least 30 minutes.
A preheated pizza stone ensures a crispy crust.
Divide the dough into two equal portions for regular pizzas or four for thin crusts. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Use a rolling pin for an even thickness, or stretch by hand for a rustic look.
Add your favorite toppings to the rolled-out dough and bake on the preheated pizza stone for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked.
For pizzas with heavy toppings, par-bake the crust for 4-5 minutes before adding toppings.
Serve the pizza hot and enjoy your homemade creation.
Let the pizza cool for a minute before slicing to avoid losing toppings.