Versatile Pizza Dough and Herb-Infused Focaccia
This delightful recipe, inspired by Nick Stellino, allows you to create two large, thin, and crispy pizza crusts or a combination of pizza and soft, herb-infused focaccia bread! With just a handful of simple ingredients, this versatile dough not only supports a myriad of pizza toppings but also accommodates tasty additions such as herbs, cheese, olives, and more for your focaccia. It's perfect for any occasion, from family pizza night to a gathering with friends. This recipe provides the foundation for a perfect pizza crust or a fluffy focaccia loaf, showcasing your favorite flavors. Whether you decide to top your pizzas extravagantly or keep it simple, you will have the perfect base complementing any mix of ingredients. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dough will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 1/2 cups (warm, at 110°F)
fast rising yeast
3/4 tablespoon (active dry yeast)
sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
bread flour
4 cups (or unbleached all-purpose flour)
salt
1 teaspoon
olive oil
3 tablespoons (extra virgin)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water (110°F), yeast, and sugar. Whisk gently to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour (or unbleached all-purpose flour) and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the foamy yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
3
Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes. If you need to relieve stress, knead for up to 10 minutes for a great workout!
4
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which should take about 45-60 minutes.
5
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to deflate. Divide the dough in half. Roll one half into a 12-15 inch pizza crust or form a loaf for focaccia.
6
For pizza, preheat your oven to 500°F. Top your pizza crust with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
7
For focaccia, after the first rise, work your desired flavor additions (such as herbs, cheese, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes) into the dough. Pat and stretch the dough into a round or rectangular shape and place on an oiled cookie sheet. Cover and let it rise again until doubled.
8
Before baking, use your fingertips to make indents in the surface of the focaccia. Optionally, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt or other toppings such as sesame seeds or herbs.
9
Bake the focaccia in a preheated oven at 475°F for 10-25 minutes, depending on the size and toppings, until the surface is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make with this versatile dough recipe?
You can create two large, thin, and crispy pizza crusts or a combination of pizza and soft, herb-infused focaccia bread.
Who inspired this Versatile Pizza Dough recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Nick Stellino.
What temperature should the water be for dissolving the yeast?
The water should be warm, specifically at 110°F.
How long should I let the yeast mixture sit?
Allow the yeast, water, and sugar mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 tablespoon of fast rising or active dry yeast.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use unbleached all-purpose flour as an alternative to bread flour.
How much olive oil is needed for the dough?
The dough requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
Knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes, or up to 10 minutes if you want a longer workout.
How do I prepare the bowl for the dough's first rise?
Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
How long does the first rise take?
The first rise takes about 45-60 minutes in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size.
What is the first step after the dough has finished rising?
Gently punch the dough down to deflate it and then divide it in half.
What size should I roll the pizza crust?
You should roll the dough into a 12-15 inch pizza crust.
What temperature should the oven be for baking pizza?
Preheat your oven to 500°F for baking the pizza.
How long does the pizza take to bake?
The pizza takes 10-12 minutes to bake until the crust is golden and crispy.
What additions can be worked into the focaccia dough?
You can work in herbs, cheese, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
How do I shape the focaccia?
Pat and stretch the dough into a round or rectangular shape and place it on an oiled cookie sheet.
Does the focaccia need a second rise?
Yes, cover the shaped focaccia and let it rise again until it has doubled in size.
How do I create the classic focaccia texture before baking?
Use your fingertips to make indents across the surface of the focaccia dough.
What should I brush on top of the focaccia?
You can optionally brush the surface with olive oil.
What toppings are suggested for the surface of the focaccia?
You can sprinkle the surface with coarse salt, sesame seeds, or herbs.
At what temperature should the focaccia be baked?
The focaccia should be baked in a preheated oven at 475°F.
How long does the focaccia take to bake?
It takes between 10-25 minutes, depending on the size and toppings, until the surface is golden brown.
How much sugar is used in the dough?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
How much salt is included in the dough?
The dough includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
How many cups of flour are needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of texture does the pizza crust have?
The pizza crust is described as thin and crispy.
What kind of texture does the focaccia have?
The focaccia is described as soft and fluffy.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Can I make both pizza and focaccia from a single batch?
Yes, you can divide the dough in half to make one pizza crust and one loaf of focaccia.