Easy Pizza Dough

Step 1

In a large bowl of a stand mixer combine 1/2 cup of the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the remaining 1 cup of warm water, and the olive oil, salt and vinegar.

Step 3

Begin mixing on medium-low speed, gradually adding the flour, and knead the dough for about 7 minutes, or until it's smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky, but not so sticky that it really sticks to your fingertip when touched.

Step 4

Cover the bowl with a dry towel and allow to rest in a warm place until doubled in volume--about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Step 5

Gently punch the dough down and place on a lightly greased or floured counter top. Divide the dough into 2 or 3 equal pieces (depending on how thick you want your crust/how big you want your pizza. I make three medium size, thinner crust pizzas. But you could make two larger pizzas).

Step 6

Roll and stretch your dough to desired size and thickness.

Step 7

Allow the dough to rest while you preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. If you have a pizza stone (or want to use a baking tray) place it in the oven while it preheats.

Step 8

Brush pizza dough lightly with olive oil and prick it all over with a fork. Pre-bake the dough on a hot pizza stone or in pizza pan for 6 minutes.

Step 9

Remove from oven and add pizza sauce and toppings. Return to oven and bake for 8-15 more minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.