Jeffs Epic Homemade Pizza Dough Recipes

Steps:

• In a medium bowl (I used a measuring cup), combine the WARM water (not too hot or you'll kill the yeast), sugar and yeast until dissolved. Leave for 5 - 10 minutes until the yeast activates and the mixture develops a layer of froth on the surface.
• In a large bowl, mix the sea salt and flour and make a well in the center. Add the yeast and olive oil. Mix together with a fork or wooden spoon, and then use your hands until the dough comes together.
• Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth, shiny and elastic (about 5 - 10 minutes) or allow the kitchen aid to do this. If the dough is too sticky or soft, add a little extra flour or if it's too dry and crumbly, add a little water.
• Shape the dough into a round ball and place in a large, oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth for roughly 45 minutes or until the dough doubles in size.
• Punch down the dough to remove the air and place it on a lightly floured work surface. Divide in 2 and shape each piece into round disks (this step requires common sense, meaning if you want small 6" pizzas or if you scale the recipe for more people you will need to divide the dough into more balls).
• Place the dough balls on a sheet of parchment. Cover with a light coating of oil and let them rise again, for about 20 minutes.
• Dough is now ready to add whatever toppings you like bake in a 400°F oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes (less or more time as required). Keep an eye on it until the cheese browns and the crust looks done to your liking.

Steps:

• Mix all dry ingredients together. Mix well. Add oil and water. Mix until flour is well incorporated. Knead 8 or 10 times. Dough should only be slightly sticky. If necessary, add a few more tablespoons flour. Let rest 15-20 minutes so dough can relax. If I have time I let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, then punch down and form into pizza crusts. This helps develop a better flavor, but the dough is still very good if it is used after the short rest period.
• Use a small portion of dough - appropriate for the size of pan you are using to bake the pizza. (One third of the dough if using 8 inch pans) Place dough on a counter, table, or breadboard. Gently press on it, using the tips or your fingers or the palms of your hand, to flatten and stretch the dough. Let dough rest for 2-5 minutes when the dough doesn't seem to want to stretch anymore. This will allow it to rest and relax, and then it will stretch again. Continue pressing the dough out until it is the size needed for the pizza pan. I do not use a rolling pin as this alters the texture of the dough.
• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on your pizza pan. Spread oil evenly. Sprinkle each pan with one tsp cornmeal. Place stretched-out dough in pan. (I use a cast iron skillet and our pizza turns out like Pizza Hut pan pizza.).
• Top with sauce, toppings, and cheese. Let pizza set for about 15 minutes to allow dough to rise.
• Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until dough is golden and cheese is starting to brown. Baking time varies depending on the type and size of pan you are using.

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in water.
• Combine flour and salt in large mixing bowl.
• Make a well in center of flour and with your hands, work in 1/2 of the yeast mixture.
• Add olive oil and then continue to work in the rest of the yeast mixture.
• Add 1 tablespoon of water if necessary to make dough soft and smooth.
• Turn dough onto flat surface and knead for 10 minutes.
• Oil a large mixing bowl and place dough in it, turning on dough over to get oil on all sides.
• Cover with damp towel and let rise for 1 hour.
• Preheat pizza stone in oven at 500 degrees.
• Divide pizza dough in half. Roll out each half into 12-14" circles making crusts about 1/8" thick.
• Sprinkle 3 tablespoons cornmeal onto pizza peal. Place 1 pizza crust on pizza peal and lightly brush with olive oil. Add all ingredients you want on your pizza.
• Slide pizza from peel onto preheated pizza stone in the oven. Cook until crust is crisp and golden, about 15-20 minutes.
• DOUGH CAN BE FROZEN: After rising, shape dough into 2 balls a, wrap and freeze. To use, thaw at room temperature and roll out as described.