Artisan Pizza Dough – Crispy, Chewy, Bubbly Crust

Introduction

Making your own pizza can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have the perfect dough. This Artisan Pizza Dough recipe gives you a crispy, chewy, and bubbly crust that will elevate any homemade pizza. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this dough recipe is simple to follow and will impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Why make this Artisan Pizza Dough? First of all, homemade pizza allows you to choose your toppings and control the quality of the ingredients. This recipe produces a dough with a delightful texture and flavor that you just can’t get from store-bought dough. Plus, there’s something special about creating your own pizza from scratch that adds to the overall experience.

How to Make Artisan Pizza Dough

Making Artisan Pizza Dough is easier than you might think. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a fantastic base for your pizza.

Ingredients:

500g (3 3/4 cups plus 2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
375g (1 1/2 cups water plus 2 tbsp) warm water, divided
1g (1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
10g (1 1/2 tsp) fine salt

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix the flour with all but 1 tablespoon of the warm water until just combined. Cover and set aside for 20 minutes to rest.
Meanwhile, sprinkle the yeast over the remaining warm water and set aside to dissolve.
After the dough has rested, sprinkle salt over its surface. Stir the yeast mixture and pour it over the dough.
To fold the dough, lightly wet your hand, reach under the dough, and stretch a section over the top. Repeat this until the center of the dough is covered. Use your thumb and fingers like pincers to pinch off 5-6 chunks of dough. Wet your hand to reduce sticking. Fold the dough over itself a few times until a shaggy dough forms with the yeast and salt mixed in. Cover the bowl and let it rest for about an hour.
After the resting time, fold the dough again to develop gluten: wet your hand, stretch under the dough, and fold it over the center. Rotate the bowl and repeat this for four to five times until the dough forms a ball.
Invert the dough into a clean, lightly greased bowl, seam side down, and cover it. Let it rise until it doubles in volume, which takes about 5-6 hours.
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and cut it in half. Shape one piece of dough into a ball by stretching each edge toward the center and then creating tension by dragging it towards you. Repeat this with the other piece of dough.
Place each shaped ball on a greased plate, lightly oil the tops, cover, and let rest at room temperature for about an hour. Preheat your oven during this time. If not using the dough right away, tightly cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days.
Now, your dough is ready to be used to make pizza!

How to Serve Artisan Pizza Dough

Once your Artisan Pizza Dough is ready, stretch or roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings before baking it in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!

How to Store Artisan Pizza Dough

If you have leftover dough or want to prepare it in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage, but make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator before using it.

Tips to Make Artisan Pizza Dough

Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Allow enough time for the dough to rise for the best results.
Experiment with different flours, like bread flour, to change the texture of your crust.
If you prefer a thicker crust, let the dough rise longer or use more dough per pizza.

Variation

You can add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor. Try mixing in some dried oregano or garlic powder for a tasty twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.

2. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and should feel airy and light to the touch.

3. Can I make this dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough for up to two days or freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before using.

With this Artisan Pizza Dough recipe in your culinary toolkit, you’re sure to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!