Recipes From My Kitchen - Pizza Dough

Last month I decided to make my own pizza dough. I have tried it in the past and have not liked the results. I was going thru my many recipes and came across this one. It is super easy! Definitely a keeper! The boys love helping put the topping on the pizza.

Pizza Dough
3 Cups flour ( white, whole wheat or a mix of the two)
1 Cup warm water
1 tsp. salt
1Tbsp. sugar
1 package yeast or 1 Tbsp yeast if you buy your yeast in bulk

I use my Kitchen Aid mixer for this, you could also use your bread machine on the dough setting or you could also mix by hand. If using the mixer put all of the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl and mix on low until combined. Add the water, (I use the hottest tap water when mixing like this)
and mix on low, with the dough hook, until the dough cleans the side of the bowl and is smooth and springy.

If mixing the dough by hand, first dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water and let sit for about five minutes, until it begins to "grow" (this is always fun for the kids to watch). Then add the salt and flour and mix.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surgace, adding additional flour as needed until the dough is smooth.

At this point, you can let the dough rest for about five minutes, then pat out onto two pizza pans and make your own pizza. Or, you can let the dough raise once or twice and then make your pizza. Or, place the dough into a greased bowl, cover well and refrigerate overnight. I have also made unbaked pizzas with this dough and frozen them.

For varations you can add dried or fresh herbs to the dough while mixing or substitute a little olive oil for the water. Our favorite is garlic powder add to the dough! Yum!

This dough is very forgiving. Depending on how well you measure and how humid your kitchen is, you may need to add a little more flour or water on somedays. You can also double or triple this recipe.

Note: I copied this recipe the way it was given to me. One thing I have found, if you are using a very large round pizza pan, this recipe will only give you enough for one pizza. (I have a large 16-17 inch pizza pan) I usually double the recipe for two large pizzas. I personally use my kitchen aid and it takes no time to make this recipe. I have also frozen the pizza dough for future use!