Are you looking for a good Basic Pizza Dough ? Look no further. This dough has everything I want in a perfect pizza crust. Great flavor while being both crunchy and chewy.
Choose your method to prepare the doughIf using a bread machinePlace the ingredients into the bread machine according to manufacturers' directions (usually liquids, salt, sugar, flour, then yeast) and turn on the machine to pizza dough. Let the machine do the work while you kick back and enjoy the kids, folding laundry, or if you are lucky enough, having a cocktail, beer or glass of wine.
If using a free-standing mixerMix the dry ingredients in the bowl of your mixer that has been fitted with a dough hook. Turn on medium-low speed, add the liquid and then let the food processor do the kneading for about 10 minutes. Rub extra virgin olive oil over the ball, place in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to double in size, about 1 ½ hours.
If using a food processorPlace the dry ingredients in the bowl of the food processor. Add the olive oil and then, with the processor running add the liquid down the shoot and process until a ball is formed. Turn the ball out onto a well-floured counter or board and knead for 15 to 20 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Rub extra virgin olive oil over the ball, place in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to double in size, about 1 ½ hours.
If doing by hand: Same as a food processor, but you have to mix the ingredients by hand before you get to turn it out and knead it.
Once the dough has risen, separate it into 2 portions. Using your hands, hold and fold the dough until you have made a ball, with no seams. Use your fingers to roll the dough into itself. Set the dough on the counter and let sit for 10 minutes.
After the dough has rested, place it onto a floured surface and gently, with the tips of your fingers, starting in the middle and turning the dough as you work, work the dough into about a 6-inch circle. Then take a lightly floured rolling pin, and again, working from the middle, roll the dough into a 10 to 12 inch round. Place the round on a pizza stone or pizza screen. Top with sauce and your favorite toppings; place in an oven that has been preheated to 500 degrees for at least 30 minutes and preferably has preheated pizza stones for you to slide onto, and cook, 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp and bubbly.
Notes
For best results heat the oven to 500º for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. Using a pizza stone will ensure a crisp bottom. If you don't have a pizza pan or stone, you could use a cookie sheet, but the results will be not as crisp.