Show off your bread-making skills with this easy pizza dough recipe. Everyone will be so impressed by the yeasty homemade crust (and it's easy to make!).
3tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon for bowl
1tablespoonhoney
4cupsall-purpose flour, divided
1teaspoonsalt
Instructions
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (see note), combine warm water, yeast, oil, and honey. Add 3 cups flour and salt; mix on low speed until blended.
With the mixer on medium-low (speed #2), slowly add the remaining 1 cup of flour as needed to form a smooth dough that pulls away from the edges of the bowl.
Continue to knead for 8 minutes.
Pour 1 teaspoon olive oil into a large bowl. Transfer dough to oiled bowl and flip over so that the dough is coated with oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Place in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in lower third of oven.
Divide dough in half; form into 2 balls. On a lightly oiled or floured surface, roll out dough into desired shape and thickness. Place on an oiled baking sheet.
Evenly spread pizza sauce on crusts. Sprinkle on cheese and desired toppings.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Baking time depends on how many toppings you load on.
Video
Notes
If you have a heavy duty hand mixer with a dough hook, that works, too. You can also make the dough by hand. You may have to knead the dough a couple extra minutes (10 minutes) for a smooth dough to form.
If you don’t plan to use both crusts right away, store tightly wrapped in the fridge for a couple days or in your freezer for up to one month.
To thaw frozen dough, thaw overnight in refrigerator. Thawed or chilled dough should be taken out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour prior to use to allow it to come to room temperature.
To Make Cheese Bread:
1 ball of pizza crust dough (half of recipe)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup Romano or Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Preheat oven to 450°F. Roll out pizza dough and place on a greased 11x17 inch pan. Mix melted butter and garlic powder; brush mixture evenly over flatbread dough. Top with cheese and dried oregano. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Slice into strips, if desired.