Foolproof Pizza Dough Recipe

FOOLPROOF PIZZA DOUGH

Slightly less than 3 c. bread flour
1 c. warm water
1 pkg instant yeast
1 Tbsp oil
Small pinch of sugar
Heavy pinch of salt

Preheat oven to as hot as you can get it. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add water and oil; mix. If you have a stand mixer, knead with dough hooks for five to seven minutes, until pliable. Otherwise, knead by hand for 15-20 minutes.

Shape the dough into a ball and set in a lightly oiled bowl, covered, until it has doubled in size. Punch down the dough and knead. Cut in half and let it rest for several minutes. Roll out each half of the dough, alternating direction to maintain an even, round shape. If dough snaps back, let rest for a few minutes more.

Sprinkle flour or corn meal lightly on a pizza peel. Gently lay one round of dough on the peel, and arrange toppings; a light hand is essential here. Give the peel a gentle shake to make sure the pizza doesn't stick, open the oven door and gently slide the pizza directly onto the pizza stone. Bake until bottom is crusty, seven to 12 minutes.