Pizza Dough Recipes

Basic Pizza Dough

2 tsp. active dry yeast

1/2 tsp. sugar

1 cup warm water

2 1/2 cups flour ( I use a mix of unbleached white and whole wheat)

1 tsp. salt

Place yeast, sugar and water in a bowl and mix to combine. Set aside in a warm place for 5 minutes, or until bubbles appear on the surface.

Place the flour and salt in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the yeast mixture and mix together with well floured hands to form a dough.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 - 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Divide the dough in to two or four portions, two large pizzas, or four smaller ones. Place on a lightly floured surface under a clean damp cloth in a warm place for 30 minutes or until they have doubled in size. I put my dough under an upside down bowl.

The dough is now ready to form into your pan. spread with your favourite toppings and bake at 425 F, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.

Thin Crusted Pizza

1 1/2 cups unbleached flour ( or a combination of flours)

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup warm water

2 tsp. active dry yeast

2 tbsp. olive oil

(If you double this recipe to make 2 pizzas, do not double the yeast)

Place the flour and salt in a bowl, stir to mix well, make a well in the center.

Measure the water into a small bowl, sprinkle with the yeast and leave it to soften for 3 to 4 minutes.  Whisk the yeast and water together then whisk in 1 tbsp. of olive oil.

Pour the liquid into the well in the flour, and stir to make a soft sticky dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, and no longer sticky. Try to avoid adding too much flour or it will make a tough dough. Place ball of dough on a lightly floured spot and cover with an upside down bowl. Let rise for about an hour or until it is doubled in bulk.

I used a rolling pin to stretch the dough out thin, or it can be done gently with your fists.  If the dough resists, cover it and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow it to relax.

When the dough is properly stretched it should be about 1/8" thin and the border should be about 1/2" wide.

Top with your favourite toppings and bake in a 450 F oven for 15 minutes, or until baked to your liking.  

Enjoy!