Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (and a little more for greasing the bowl)
- 1 tsp salt
Toppings (for 2 hand shaped pizzas):
- Olive oil (for brushing) – seasoning (Italian seasonings or fresh basil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or fresh sliced tomatoes if they are in season)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and/or parmesan cheese
- Any favorite toppings
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Knead by hand for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky. Add more flour if it’s too sticky.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly oil a baking stone.
Punch down the dough and divide in half. Flatten and stretch by hand into a 12-inch circle or square on the pan. Pinch the edges to make a crust. Let rest while you get your toppings ready.
Press a few dents in the dough with your fingers. Brush with olive oil, seasoning and sprinkle garlic (optional), spread on sauce, and top with cheese and other toppings.
Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
To Freeze Dough
After rising, divide the dough and coat with oil. Place in freezer bags and store in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and let rest at room temp for 1 hour before shaping.
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