Homemade Pizza

Ingredients

Homemade Pizza Dough

• 2 ¾ cups bread flour
• 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• ¼ cups olive oil
• ¾ cups hot water
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2-3 tbsp 00 flour (or cornmeal)
• ½ pizza dough

Homemade Pizza

• 2-3 tbsp flour (or cornmeal) for dusting
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ cups pizza sauce
• 1 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 16 pepperoni slices
• ½ medium tomato (sliced)
• 16 fresh basil leaves
• ½ tsp pizza seasoning

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer or food processor, combine flour, yeast and salt until combined.
2. Add the oil and mix until the texture resembles sand.
3. Meanwhile, heat the water in the microwave — you don't want it boiling, just on the warmer side. Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Add the water in a slow, steady stream. Mix for 2-3 minutes until it forms a ball and the dough is sticky but not sticking to your fingers. If dough is too dry, add another ¼ cup of warm water a little at a time. If it is too sticky, you can add a sprinkle of flour to make it easier to handle.
5. Roll out a piece of plastic wrap or use a cutting board. Place the dough on top and flatten it out into a rectangle. Use your fingers to make indentations like you are playing the piano. Fold one side over to the middle, like a letter. Repeat the indentations, then fold over the other third. Cover in plastic wrap or place in a zip-top bag. Set aside for 20 minutes to rise in a warm place.
6. Divide the dough into two pieces and roll them into a ball. Wrap in more plastic wrap or place in a zip-top bag. You can use it immediately. If you are saving it for later, you can refrigerate and use within 3 days, or freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge the night before you plan to use it.
7. Let the dough come to room temperature on the counter for about 20 minutes before beginning.
8. Preheat the oven to 550°F (290°F) with a pizza stone inside. You can also use a baking sheet or pizza pan, but don't preheat it.
9. Sprinkle 00 flour over a big piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Stretch the dough out into a large circle with your hands. Flour your hands with 00 flour if the dough is too sticky. Place in the center of the parchment paper.
10. Add pizza sauce, cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
11. Transfer the parchment, with the pizza on it, to your pizza stone or baking sheet. This makes it easy to handle from surface to surface. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
12. Use the parchment to slide the pizza back onto the baking sheet. Let rest for a couple minutes, then slice into pieces and enjoy!