Homemade Pizza Dough

 

Pizza Dough Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 ½ cup water warm
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 package)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup olive oil

Instructions

• In a small bowl whisk the water, sugar and yeast together. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. If the yeast is good, it will start to froth up.
• In the bowl of your mixer, add the flour and salt, olive oil and yeast mixture. Mix everything together using the dough hook for about 5 minutes or until the dough is soft and elastic. When it's done it will come clean from the side of the bowl.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, rubbing oil on the dough as well, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you're not using the dough right away, you can also freeze the dough.

Notes

1. Recipe will yield enough dough for 2 large pizzas.
2. Yeast Information: Always check the expiration date on your yeast and make sure it hasn't expired. All your yeast products whether it’s in a jar or a package should be stamped with a “Best if Used by” date. Always make sure you check this date, even when you purchase the yeast, who knows it could have been on the shelf past its expiry date.
3. To keep your yeast fresh and longer lasting, unopened yeast packages or jars should be stored in a cool or dry place such as your cupboard. However, you can also store your yeast in the fridge or freezer. If you do store it in the freezer and need to use yeast for your baking, make sure you take out the amount you need and let it sit at room temperature for at least half hour before using.
4. Once your yeast package or jar has been opened, you must refrigerate the yeast or freeze it in an airtight container.
5. One thing to remember about your yeast, is that it is a living organism and over time it will lose activity, even if you’ve never opened the jar or package. So if you don’t bake often, buy the smaller yeast packages rather than a big jar of yeast.
6. Make sure your water is not too hot or it could kill the yeast which will cause your dough not to rise at all. The ideal temperature for the water should be between 105 F degrees and 110 F for proofing. While 95 F degrees is the best temperature for yeast to multiply, that's not warm enough for proofing active dry yeast.
7. Do I have to let the dough rise: No you don't, though if you want, you can. Usually I just refrigerate the dough until I'm ready to use it and while in the fridge it continues to slowly rise. You can use the dough right away after making.
8. Can I use instant yeast: Yes, if using instant yeast, you do not need to wait for it to froth up, you can just add all the ingredients to your bowl and mix.
9. Can I freeze the dough: Yes, for sure. Just place the dough in a large freezer plastic bag, let out as much of the air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months.
10. How do I bake the pizza: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature, mine goes to 550 F. You can use a pizza stone or a baking sheet just make sure you spray some cooking spray over the baking sheet. If using a pizza stone, heat it up first. Once you top your pizza, bake it for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust is golden to dark brown.
11. Nutrition: Nutritional information is just based on pizza dough. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

**Taco Pizza

Mix a can or refried beans with salsa. Spread onto the crust and top with cheese. Bake @ 550 for 5-8 minutes or until

Crust is golden brown. After it comes out of the oven, top with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream mixed together. Place the cold ingredients on top of the hot pizza. Enjoy!