Are you ready to elevate your pizza night from ordinary to extraordinary? With our "Eazy Peazy Pizza Dough" recipe, you can whip up a delicious, homemade pizza crust in just 25 minutes! Perfect for families or a spontaneous gathering with friends, this simple yet satisfying dough will have everyone begging for seconds. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with a crust that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 pizza crust
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water (approximately 110°F/43°C) and olive oil.
- Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Lightly coat the mixing bowl with olive oil and return the kneaded dough to the bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and transfer to a lightly floured surface.
- Gently stretch or roll the dough into your desired pizza shape, using additional flour to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet, add your preferred toppings, and bake according to your specific pizza recipe.
Tips
- Use Warm Water: Make sure your water is warm (around 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast properly. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it's too cold, the dough won't rise effectively.
- Knead Well: Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the crust its structure. Aim for a smooth and elastic texture after 6-8 minutes of kneading.
- Let It Rise: Allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area is key to achieving that perfect puffiness. You can place it in an oven (turned off) with the light on for a cozy environment.
- Don’t Rush the Punch Down: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles without deflating it completely. This will keep your crust light and airy.
- Flour Your Surface: Always use flour on your work surface when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking. If it gets too sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more flour.
- Experiment with Shapes: Whether you prefer a classic round, a rectangular sheet, or even mini personal pizzas, feel free to get creative with the shape of your crust!
- Pre-bake for Crispiness: For an extra crispy crust, consider pre-baking the dough for a few minutes before adding your toppings.
- Customize Your Toppings: Don’t hold back on toppings! Use your favorite sauces, cheeses, and vegetables to make your pizza uniquely yours.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 440kcal
Carbohydrates: 72g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
