Basic Pizza Dough
This recipe makes a wonderful tender crust. Make it as is or see below for a Parmesan or Oregano variation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F)
- 1 (1/4-ounce) envelope active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, as needed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Yellow cornmeal, for sprinkling the baking sheet
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the water, yeast, honey, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, stirring to combine. Let sit until the mixture is foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 cups of the flour and the salt, stirring with a wooden spoon, until it is all incorporated. Continue adding the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, working the dough with you hands to incorporate the flour after each addition, until the dough is smooth but still slightly sticky. You might not need all of the flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth but still slightly tacky, 3 to 5 minutes.
Oil a large mixing bowl with remaining olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place, free from drafts until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
Variations:
Parmesan Pizza Dough: Substitute 2 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese for 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour. Use a pinch of salt instead of 1 teaspoon. Proceed as directed above.
Oregano Pizza Dough: Stir 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano in with the flour and proceed as directed above.
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