Pizza Dough Recipe

Making Pizza Dough By Hand

1. 1

   In a small bowl stir to combine the active dry yeast (***seen notes if using instant yeast) with the sugar and the warm water. Allow the yeast to activate 5 to 10 minutes or until it starts to bubble.

   5 min
2. 2

   Sprinkle your work surface with a little flour. (Your hands will be messy, so I find it best to prep my area.)

3. 3

   In a large bowl add the salt, and flour. Mix. Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast and olive oil. Using your hands combine and work together in to a ball. (Scrape down the sides of the bowl to get all the pizza dough)

4. 4

   Pull from the bowl, and knead the dough for about 5 minutes on your work surface. Knead into a ball shape. The dough should be smooth and still a bit sticky. (Add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time as needed.)

   5 min
5. 5

   Using a bit of olive oil, lightly grease the inside of the bowl. (can be same bowl)

6. 6

   Place the dough ball in the bowl, cover the dough ball with a little olive oil on all sides. Cover the bowl with a warm damp kitchen cloth.

7. 7

   Allow the dough to double in size this should take 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

8. 8

   After the dough has doubled remove from the bowl and place on a lightly floured surface. Punch the dough down and form it into a log shape. Cut and divide into 3 equal sections. (Alternately after cutting into portions you can refrigerate or freeze for later).

9. 9

   Shape each piece into a ball, dust with a little flour and cover with a warm moist towel. Allow each ball to almost double in size, this should take about an hour.

10. 10

    After the dough has risen the second time you can make pizza!