Ingredients
1-1/2 c. warm water
1 pkg. active dry yeast
3-3/4 c. bread flour
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Pizza Toppings
Tomato sauce
Mozzarella cheese, grated
Toppings of choice
Directions
Place the warm water in bowl of the standing mixer, or a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes. If yeast is not completely dissolved after 5 minutes, stir. Yeast should start to foam.
Add the flour, salt, sugar, and olive oil to the bowl of yeast. Mix on low speed for 1 minute with paddle attachment. Switch to the dough hook attachment and mix on low to medium speed for 7-10 minutes. Dough should be slightly sticky. You can mix by hand if preferred.
Spread a thin layer of olive oil inside a large bowl. Place the pizza dough in the bowl and turn the dough until it is coated with oil. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow to ferment. If needed quickly, place in a warm spot for 1-1/2 hours. You can also place at room temperature for 8 hours or chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
When you are ready to make the pizza, preheat the pizza pan or pizza stone at 475°F for 30 minutes.
Remove the plastic from the dough. Dust your hands with flour and divide the dough in half. Form each half into a round ball and place in a bowl by itself. Cover with plastic and let sit for 15 minutes.
Prepare your desired toppings.
Put a dusting of flour on your surface. Flatten your dough and stretch into a circle. Starting at the center, press the dough to about 1/2" thick, turn and stretch until the size and shape needed. It should be about 10-12" across. If you are having a hard time stretching the dough, allow it to rest for 5 minutes and try again. If you create a hole, push the dough back together to seal it. Don't forget to leave a thicker edge if you want a crust.
Using your fingertips, create dimples in the surface of the dough. Brush the dough with olive oil and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
Sprinkle your pizza paddle with cornmeal to prevent the dough sticking to it. Put your pizza dough on the paddle.
Top with tomato sauce, grated mozzarella cheese, and desired toppings.
Slide pizza onto the pizza pan or stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until crust is brown and cheese is melted and golden.