Ultimate Crusty Pizza Dough
Elevate your pizza night with this Ultimate Crusty Pizza Dough, a delightful recipe perfect for creating a flavorful base. This dough is simple to make and yields a beautifully crusty texture, thanks to the unique blending of warm water, yeast, and all-purpose flour. Ideal for any topping you desire—from classic pepperoni to gourmet grilled vegetable medleys—this dough can do it all. Whether you're crafting a cozy family dinner or impressing friends with your culinary skills, enjoy the satisfaction of homemade pizza with a golden crust that’s sure to please everyone.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (No preparation needed, just dissolve in water.)
Warm water
1 cup (Ensure water is warm, around 110°F (43°C).)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (For greasing the bowl and pizza pan.)
All-purpose flour
2 1/2 - 3 1/2 cups (Sift before measuring for best results.)
Instructions
1
In a warmed mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F/43°C). Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture.
3
Attach the bowl to your KitchenAid mixer along with the dough hook attachment. Mix on speed 2 for 1 minute until well combined.
4
Continue mixing on speed 2, gradually adding the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and clings to the dough hook.
5
Once the dough forms, knead on speed 2 for an additional 2 minutes.
6
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it to coat the top with oil.
7
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
8
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles.
9
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Brush a 14-inch pizza pan with oil.
10
Press the dough evenly across the bottom of the pizza pan, forming a raised edge to contain your toppings. Feel free to use your fingers to create decorative textures on the crust.
11
Top with your choice of fillings, then bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
12
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Crusty Pizza Dough?
It is a simple recipe for a flavorful pizza base that yields a beautifully golden and crusty texture.
How many servings does this pizza dough recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the recipe category for this dough?
The category for this recipe is Yeast Breads.
What amount of yeast is required for the dough?
You will need 1 package (1/4 ounce) of active dry yeast.
What is the ideal temperature for the warm water?
The water should be approximately 110°F (43°C).
How long should the yeast sit in the water?
Allow the yeast to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What type of oil should be used for the dough and pan?
Olive oil is recommended for this recipe.
How much all-purpose flour is needed?
The recipe requires between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is there any special preparation for the flour?
Yes, sifting the flour before measuring is recommended for the best results.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specifically use a KitchenAid mixer with a dough hook attachment.
What mixer speed should be used?
Mixing and kneading should be done on speed 2.
How long do I mix the initial ingredients?
Mix the yeast mixture, salt, oil, and initial flour for 1 minute.
How do I know when to stop adding flour during mixing?
Add flour gradually until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and clings to the hook.
How long should the dough be kneaded in the mixer?
Knead the dough on speed 2 for an additional 2 minutes after it forms.
How should the dough be prepared for rising?
Transfer it to a greased bowl and turn it to coat the top with oil.
What should I use to cover the bowl while the dough rises?
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth.
How long does the dough need to rise?
Let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
What is the purpose of punching down the dough?
Punching down the dough gently helps to release air bubbles after the rise.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
What size pizza pan is used for this recipe?
The recipe is designed for a 14-inch pizza pan.
How is the pizza pan prepared?
The pan should be brushed with oil before the dough is pressed into it.
How should the dough be shaped on the pan?
Press it evenly across the bottom and form a raised edge for the toppings.
Can I add decorative textures to the crust?
Yes, you can use your fingers to create decorative textures on the dough edge.
How long does the pizza bake in the oven?
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
What kind of toppings work best with this crust?
It works well with anything from classic pepperoni to gourmet grilled vegetable medleys.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 5 primary ingredients.
Should the yeast be dissolved before adding other ingredients?
Yes, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water before adding salt, oil, and flour.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as a simple recipe ideal for family dinners or impressing friends.
What should be done after the pizza is removed from the oven?
Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and enjoying.