Are you ready to elevate your pizza night to a whole new level? Discover the secret to making delicious, restaurant-quality Pan Style Pizza Dough right in your own kitchen! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a crust that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or a casual cook, this recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to unleash your inner pizzaiolo and impress everyone with your homemade pizza masterpiece!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt together, creating a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour well and add olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a large, heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Stretch each dough portion into a circular shape that fits your pan, making sure it's even in thickness.
- Lightly oil the pan and place the stretched dough inside, allowing it to develop a crispy bottom as it pre-bakes.
- Par-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes until it starts to look slightly firm and pale golden.
- Remove from oven, add your preferred pizza toppings, and return to the oven to bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
- Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven, slice, and serve hot.
Tips
- Use Warm Water: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly; around 110°F (43°C) is ideal.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place without drafts; this helps develop flavor and texture.
- Knead Thoroughly: Kneading is crucial for gluten development. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked.
- Preheat the Oven: A hot oven is key for a crispy crust. Make sure to preheat it to 450°F (230°C) before baking.
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! From classic pepperoni to gourmet veggies, the choice is yours.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have one, a cast-iron skillet can give you that perfect crispy bottom that’s characteristic of pan-style pizzas.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
