Artisan Pizza Dough

Elevate your homemade pizza game with this masterful artisan pizza dough recipe! It's easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients: flour, sea salt, sugar, active dry yeast, olive oil, and warm water. In about 2.5 hours, you’ll have two perfect 12-inch crusts ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients. With a crispy, golden finish and a soft interior, this dough is sure to impress family and friends. Get ready to enjoy delicious, homemade pizza nights!

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Ingredients

4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1 ½ teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

Cornmeal (for dusting your pizza stone or baking sheet)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.

Combine Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well in the flour. With a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until the dough begins to come together.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

First Rise: Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch the dough down to release air and transfer it back to a floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas. Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for 10-15 minutes under a damp towel.

Preheat Oven: While the dough rests, preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 475°F to 500°F or 245°C to 260°C) and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.

Form the Pizza Bases: Take one dough ball and, on a lightly floured surface, stretch it out to your desired shape (about 12 inches in diameter). Use your hands or a rolling pin, keeping the edges thicker for a nice crust.

Add Toppings: Transfer the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper sprinkled with cornmeal. Add your favorite toppings.

Bake: Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and serve hot!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 2 (12-inch pizzas)