Pizza Dough
Description:
Pizza dough is the foundational base of any pizza, offering a chewy yet crisp texture that perfectly complements a variety of toppings. Made from simple ingredients, pizza dough is easy to prepare and can be customized for thick or thin crusts, depending on personal preference. Once baked, it forms a golden, slightly crispy crust that’s soft and airy on the inside. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita or a loaded meat lover’s pizza, a great pizza dough is the key to a delicious homemade pizza experience. Its simplicity makes it a versatile canvas for endless flavor combinations.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: cornmeal for dusting
How to Cook:
- In a bowl, consolidate warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a separate large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the batter in a lubed bowl, cover with a moist towel, and let it ascend for 1-90 minutes or until multiplied in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough, divide it into portions, and roll it out to your desired thickness.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Top the batter with your number one fixings and prepare for 10-15 minutes or until the outside is brilliant.
History:
The origins of pizza dough date back to ancient times when early civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks were baking flatbreads topped with various ingredients. The modern pizza dough, however, was popularized in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century. Neapolitan pizza, known for its thin and crispy crust, became iconic, and pizza spread worldwide with Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, pizza dough is an essential part of the global love for pizza, with countless variations of crusts and preparation techniques to suit different tastes
