Recipe: Pizza Dough

Post by Olivia Blodgett, Registered Dietitian

It’s time to give away another one of our secret cooking class recipes! Our recipe for pizza dough is so simple but it’s SO good and it’s just not fair to keep it to myself. Our pizza class was always hectic, hot (the fire alarm never failed to go off several times during class) but super fun and so delicious. This is one of those recipes that I find myself referencing often at home. Making your own pizza dough is well worth the minimal effort it takes and is such a fun thing to do with dinner guests. I’m looking forward to a pizza party myself, tonight!

PIZZA DOUGH

Makes 4, 12” pizzas

Ingredients

1 ¾ warm water

1 packet dry yeast

1 Tbs honey

¼ cup olive oil

1 tsp salt

1-2 cups whole wheat flour*

2-3 cups white bread flour

PROCEDURE

1. Place water, yeast, and honey in a mixing bowl and whisk together.
2. Add oil, 1 cup whole wheat flour, then salt and mix together.
3. Add the rest of the flour as needed and knead into soft dough. Knead for about 15 minutes and add flour as needed. Leave in a warm place and rise until tripled in volume. This may take about 2-3 hours.
4. Cut dough into 4-5 equal pieces and roll into balls. Place on oiled tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The flavor is more developed if left overnight. Remove from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes before using.
5. Flour crust well before shaping.
6. See below for baking instructions.

* Ratio of whole wheat flour can be increased for a more wholesome crust.

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Assemble the Pizzas

1. Let dough come to room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
2. Using your fists, stretch the dough into a thin disc.
3. Place on the back of a cookie sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
4. Place toppings on dough, leaving a border for the crust. Make sure to not overload the pizza with toppings. This will cause the crust to not bake properly.

Bake the Pizzas

1. Place pizza stone in oven and preheat for at least 30 minutes on the highest setting, 500 degrees for most ovens.
2. Gently and swiftly slide assembled pizza onto stone. You may want to sprinkle the stone with a little cornmeal just before putting pizza in oven.
3. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is bubbly and browned. Watch the pizza carefully!