Artisan Pizza Dough

There's something undeniably joyous about making homemade pizza. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sight of bubbling cheese, and the ability to customize every topping to your liking all contribute to a truly satisfying culinary experience. However, the foundation of a great pizza lies in its dough. A well-crafted dough not only provides the structure for the toppings but also contributes significantly to the overall flavor and texture of the finished product.

Create your own delicious artisan rustic pizza dough at home with this simple recipe! Using just basic ingredients like flour, sea salt, yeast, and warm water, you can whip up a perfect dough that’s ready for your favorite toppings. With steps for kneading, rising, and baking, this recipe ensures a crispy, golden crust that will impress everyone. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, enjoy homemade pizza just the way you like it! 🍕✨

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1 ½ teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon instant yeast

1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for flavor)

Cornmeal (for dusting the pizza peel)

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and instant yeast until well combined.

Add Warm Water: Slowly pour in the warm water into the flour mixture, using a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the dough together until it forms a shaggy ball. If you're using olive oil for extra flavor, add it at this stage.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed for about 5 minutes.

First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for 30 minutes, covered with a kitchen towel.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes. If you don’t have a stone, preheat a baking sheet.

Roll Out the Dough: On a well-floured surface, take one ball of dough and stretch it out with your fingers or roll it with a rolling pin to your desired thickness (about 12 inches for a classic pizza). Make sure to keep the edges thicker for a nice crust.

Add Toppings: Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or a floured baking sheet. Dust the bottom with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, slice, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 2 large pizzas