why make this recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own pizza dough from scratch. This Artisan Pizza Dough recipe creates a crispy, chewy, and bubbly crust that elevates any pizza night. Not only is it a fun activity to make with family or friends, but it also allows you to customize your pizza toppings to your liking. Plus, when you have fresh dough ready to go, you can whip up a delicious homemade pizza in no time!
how to make Artisan Pizza Dough
Ingredients:
- 500g (3 3/4 cups plus 2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 375g (1 1/2 cups plus 2 tbsp) warm water, divided
- 1g (1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 10g (1 1/2 tsp) fine salt
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Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and all but 1 tablespoon of the warm water until just combined. Cover and let this mixture rest for 20 minutes.
- While the dough is resting, sprinkle the yeast over the remaining warm water and set it aside to dissolve.
- After the resting time, sprinkle the salt over the surface of the dough. Stir the yeast mixture and pour it over the dough.
- To fold the dough, lightly wet your hand and reach underneath, stretching a section of it over the top. Repeat this until the center is covered. Using your thumb and fingers, pinch off 5-6 chunks of dough. Wet your hand to minimize sticking, and continue folding the dough over itself a few times until the yeast and salt are mixed and a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl again and let it rest for about an hour.
- Now, fold the dough to develop the gluten. Lightly wet your hand and pull up a section of the dough, folding it over the center. Rotate the bowl and continue folding four to five more times until the dough tightens into a ball.
- Invert the ball into a clean, lightly greased bowl with the seam side down. Cover and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 5-6 hours.
- Once it has risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and cut it in half. Shape one piece into a ball by stretching out a quarter of the dough until you feel resistance, folding it back over the center. Repeat with the remaining edges until a loose ball forms.
- Place the ball seam-side down on an un-floured area and gently drag it towards you, creating tension. Rotate and drag again several times until it forms a round ball.
- Transfer to a greased plate and repeat with the remaining dough. Lightly oil the tops, cover, and let rest at room temperature for about an hour. During this time, preheat your oven. If not using immediately, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
how to serve Artisan Pizza Dough
When your dough is ready, roll it out to your desired thickness and form. Add your favorite sauce, cheeses, and toppings. Pop it in the oven, and you’ll be enjoying a homemade pizza that’s fresh, crispy, and oh-so-delicious! Great for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
how to store Artisan Pizza Dough
If you’re not using all the dough right away, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
tips to make Artisan Pizza Dough
- Make sure your water is warm (not hot) for the yeast to activate properly.
- Don’t rush the resting and rising times; they help enhance the flavor and texture.
- Experiment with adding herbs or spices to the flour for an extra kick of flavor.
- Use a pizza stone for baking to achieve that crisp crust.
variation
Try adding whole wheat flour for a healthier version or mixing in some garlic powder or dried herbs into your flour for added flavor. You can also make smaller dough balls for individual pizzas, perfect for a personalized pizza night!
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to make this pizza dough?
A: Overall, you need about 6-7 hours including the rising times. However, active preparation time is only about 30 minutes!
Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, using bread flour will give you a slightly chewier crust, which many people enjoy!
Q: What’s the best way to bake my pizza?
A: Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually about 475-500°F) and use a pizza stone or a baking sheet to achieve that crispy crust.
Artisan Pizza Dough
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and all but 1 tablespoon of the warm water until just combined. Cover and let this mixture rest for 20 minutes.
- While the dough is resting, sprinkle the yeast over the remaining warm water and set it aside to dissolve.
- After the resting time, sprinkle the salt over the surface of the dough. Stir the yeast mixture and pour it over the dough.
- To fold the dough, lightly wet your hand and reach underneath, stretching a section of it over the top. Repeat until the center is covered. Pinch off 5-6 chunks of dough, wet your hand to minimize sticking, and continue folding until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl again and let it rest for about an hour.
- Now, fold the dough to develop the gluten. Lightly wet your hand and pull up a section of the dough, folding it over the center. Rotate the bowl and continue folding 4-5 more times until the dough tightens into a ball.
- Invert the ball into a clean, lightly greased bowl with the seam side down. Cover and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 5-6 hours.
- Once it has risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and cut it in half. Shape one piece into a ball and repeat with the other.
- Place each ball seam-side down on an un-floured area and gently drag it towards you to create tension, rotating and dragging until a round ball forms.
- Transfer to a greased plate and lightly oil the tops, cover, and let rest at room temperature for about an hour.
- If not using immediately, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- When your dough is ready, roll it out to your desired thickness and form. Add your favorite sauce, cheeses, and toppings.
- Bake in a preheated oven at high temperature for a delicious homemade pizza.