Are you ready to elevate your pizza nights to a whole new level? With the "Artisan Bread in Five's Pizza Crust," you can whip up a delectable, homemade pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria—all in under an hour! This simple yet satisfying recipe transforms basic ingredients into a crust that's crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making every bite a heavenly experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you impressing friends and family with your culinary skills in no time. Dive into the art of pizza making and discover the secret to perfect crusts that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of instant yeast. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of warm water to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Ensure all the flour is incorporated and there are no dry patches.
- Once the dough is formed, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top. Use your hands to knead the dough in the bowl for about 1 minute, just until the oil is absorbed and the dough is slightly smoother.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate the dough for up to 5 days for a more developed flavor.
- After the dough has risen, flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Divide the dough in half to make two pizza crusts. Shape each half into a ball and let them rest for about 10 minutes, covered with a kitchen towel.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. If not, a baking sheet will work fine.
- After the dough has rested, take one ball and flatten it gently with your hands. Use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Make sure the edges are slightly thicker to form a crust.
- Transfer the stretched dough to a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel. If using a baking sheet, place it directly on the sheet.
- Add your desired toppings to the pizza crust, starting with sauce, cheese, and any additional toppings you like.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Slice and serve hot. Repeat the process with the second ball of dough.
Tips
- Use Warm Water: Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it. Aim for a temperature around 110°F (43°C).
- Kneading Technique: Don't over-knead the dough; just a minute or so is enough. The goal is to incorporate the olive oil and achieve a slightly smoother texture.
- Rising Time: For a richer flavor, consider refrigerating the dough for a day or two. This slow fermentation process enhances the taste and texture of your crust.
- Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F (245°C) before baking. A hot oven is crucial for achieving that perfect, crispy crust.
- Thicker Edges: When shaping your pizza, remember to leave the edges slightly thicker to form a satisfying crust that holds up to your toppings.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! From classic pepperoni to gourmet vegetables, the choice is yours—let your imagination run wild!
- Use Parchment Paper: If you’re using a pizza stone, placing your stretched dough on parchment paper makes it easier to transfer to the oven without sticking.
- Cooling Time: Allow your pizza to cool for a couple of minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly, making slicing easier and preventing toppings from sliding off.By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting the perfect pizza crust that will leave everyone craving more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 9g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
