📖 Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Make sure the rack is in the middle position. While it heats, let's get the dough ready.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make sure your yeast isn't expired! That’s a bummer to discover half way through.
3. Add 1 1/4 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry if it looks a little rough, we'll smooth it out.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should bounce back slightly when you poke it. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour, a tablespoon at a time. I often skip this step and use my stand mixer with a dough hook.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is crucial! Don't skip the rise, you’ll end up with flat hard pizza.
6. While the dough is rising, prepare your toppings. Chop your veggies, grate your cheese, and get your sauce ready. This makes everything so much easier later.
7. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half (or into quarters for smaller pizzas).
8. Roll out each portion of dough into a 12-inch circle (or desired shape). Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend. Trust me.
9. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent it from getting soggy. Then, spread your favorite tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. I like to use a jarred marinara sauce for convenience, but homemade is amazing if you have the time.
10. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, sausage, etc. Get creative! This is where you can really personalize your pizza.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it, as ovens vary!
12. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy immediately! Pizza is always best hot outta the oven. Okay I made an extra Pizza.