Essential Pizza Dough

Instructions

• 1To make the pizza dough, place the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix to combine. Add the oil and water and mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add oil and water and mix until the dough comes together, add an extra tablespoon of water if necessary. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.)
• 2Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
• 3Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch down to remove the excess air. Knead the dough into a smooth ball.
• 4The dough is done and a canvas for possibilities! Roll it out for a classic Margherita, fold it into calzones or go rogue with garlic knots. Don’t forget breadsticks and Stromboli or load it up with berries and chocolate for a dessert pizza!