Learn how to prepare the perfect dough for a perfect pizza.

The greatest pizza at home will be the one with homemade dough but, believe it or not, making this is not as simple as it looks. However, after reading these tips, you will never spend money on it.

Preparing pizza is an art mastered around the world, even so, that every city has its style. For example, Chicago and New York are always competing to see which one has the best pizza in the US since each place has unique variations.

Let’s get the tips!

Water temperature: yes, it is a huge point when baking goods, and with this kind of dough is necessary to have a thermometer because the water should be between 110° to 115° Fahrenheit (43° to 46° Celsius). You can try the temperature as many times as you wish.

Active yeast: this is what makes a difference, it allows the dough to double its size and let the air get to it. You will add 2 ¼ teaspoons of active yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the hot water. It will work nicely, so is not necessary to stir.

Resting time: the yeast will need at least five minutes to be fully activated, without any sudden movement. In the end, it will have a nice and frosty layer at the top. If you don’t let the yeast to rest it won’t work correctly in the dough.

Flour: an all-purpose is fine for what we are making. However, the trick is to be careful with the measure, which is 2 cups of flour. When you are scooping it to the cup, always remember to level it up before adding it to the mix. If you get it directly from the flour container, you will end up adding more than what the recipe is requesting.

Salt and oil: one of the secrets for a great dough is to add kosher salt to it, which is a variation with larger grain size and a more pure flavor. Olive oil is the best one to prepare this thanks to its refinement process and incredible taste.

Mixing: there are many ways to combine all the ingredients. By hand is the preferred choice of the classic pizzeria, but you can use a food processor or a blender with the right tool (you will find many options available in the market, pick the one suitable for you.) After adding all the ingredients, and if you cannot see them coming together, you can add a few teaspoons of warm water. Probably, the problem was that you put more flour than requested. You will finish with a mixture that can stretch easily.

More resting time: every dough will need between 1 to 2 hours to rest and let the yeast to do its job, which is to double the size of the mixture and make it smooth and easy to mold. You can use just a portion, and the other can go to the freezer.

Making pizza can be more simple than what you think, so don’t be afraid to give it a try. Once you learn, you will want to do it every time that you are able, and it can be used to other recipes. Come to Davide Punto Cucina to degust our pizza and have a great evening!