Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- Additional toppings of choice (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers, onions)
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Water and Oil: Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Pizza:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well; otherwise, a large baking sheet will work.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out with your hands to form a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick, leaving a slight lip around the edges for the crust.
- Add Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and arrange the pepperoni slices and any other toppings you like on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm.
