Here are the ingredients you’ll need for 2 perfect medium-size “make-ahead” Pizza Crusts:
1 3/4 cups water, divided
2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast (1 envelope)
Pinch of sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing dough
4 cups bread flour
1½ teaspoons table salt
vegetable oil (or cooking spray), for oiling bowl
semolina or cornmeal, for dusting baking sheet
Now just follow these easy preparation steps:
1. Dissolve 1 packet of dry active yeast into 1/4 cup warm water with a pinch of sugar until foamy.
2. Meanwhile pulse (or mix with paddle attachment in your mixer) flour, salt and remaining 1½ cups water to combine. If using a mixer, switch to the dough hook.
3. Add yeast mixture until dough forms a rough ball. Let dough rest in the bowl for 2 minutes.
4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes until a smooth round ball forms.
5. Transfer to an oiled bowl, covered with a damp cloth until doubled (1 to 1½ hours).
After the pizza dough has expanded, continue with the steps on the next page …