Felicia's Pizza Crust
The ultimate comfort food, Felicia's Pizza Crust is your go-to for homemade pizza perfection! With a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures, this easy recipe makes for a wonderful weeknight dinner. Gather your family and friends to create delicious pizzas together, and make any night special!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Peeler
- Chef's Knife
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups Water Warm (110°F/43°C to 115°F/46°C)
- 1½ teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil Optional
- 2 teaspoons Fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar Optional
- 4 cups 00 flour Plus more for dusting
- Pizza sauce To serve
- Fresh mozzarella cheese To serve
- Fresh basil To serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by pouring 1¼ cups (300 ml) of warm water into a large mixing bowl. Ensure the water temperature is between 110°F and 115°F. This warmth is essential for activating the yeast. Sprinkle 1½ teaspoons (5 grams) of active dry yeast over the surface of the water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This foam indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work.
- Step 2: Once the yeast is frothy, whisk in 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of optional extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons (12 grams) of fine sea salt, and 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of optional granulated sugar. These ingredients add flavor and aid in the dough-making process. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Slowly add 4 cups (500 grams) of “00” flour to the wet mixture. Start stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together and forms a sticky mass. You may need to adjust the flour slightly based on the humidity of your environment.
- Step 4: After mixing, lightly flour your hands and turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Gently knead the dough for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want to develop some gluten here, so knead until the dough feels smooth and less sticky. Avoid over-kneading to prevent a tough texture.
- Step 5: Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Set it aside in a warm, draft-free area to allow it to rise until it has doubled in size, around 1 hour.
- Step 6: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface again. You will notice how puffy and airy it has become. Gently knead it just once or twice to release any excess air. Shape it into a round ball.
- Step 7: For large pizzas, use the entire dough ball. If you prefer smaller pizzas, divide the dough into 4 equal portions, each weighing approximately 208 grams. This gives you the flexibility to create personal-sized pizzas.
- Step 8: Next, position your oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Place a pizza stone in the cold oven to preheat for at least 1 hour. If you don’t have a pizza stone, preheat an upside-down rimmed baking sheet for at least 20 minutes to create a crispy crust.
- Step 9: On a lightly floured sheet of parchment paper or a pizza peel, stretch your dough into a 14-inch circle for large pizzas or 6-inch circles for smaller ones. Be gentle while stretching to avoid tearing the dough.
- Step 10: Spread your favorite pizza sauce over the surface of the stretched dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This border will become the crust. Top with sliced fresh mozzarella cheese evenly across the sauce.
- Step 11: Carefully slide the prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake until the crust is crisp and golden brown, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning.
- Step 12: Once baked, remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then slice up your homemade pizza and serve it hot!
Notes
- Tip 1: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Tip 3: Pair your pizza with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A light balsamic vinaigrette goes perfectly with the pizza's richness.
- Tip 4: Take advantage of seasonal produce for toppings. Fresh basil in summer or roasted squash in fall can elevate your pizza experience.
- Tip 5: While fresh mozzarella cheese is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Parmesan or Fontina for added depth of flavor.