Get ready to embark on an adventure as we delve into the world of homemade pizza perfection! Armed with a trusty stand mixer (or strong hands), we’re about to elevate your pizza game with a foolproof recipe that promises a crispy crust, fluffy interior, and an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
The Flour Power
Begin by adding the lukewarm water, a pinch of sugar and yeast to your stand mixer bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast activates and creates a frothy surface. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil to the mix – this helps when cooking at home at temps lower than a traditional pizza oven.
In goes the King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour. Sprinkle in the table salt – the unsung hero that enhances the flavors and ties everything together. If you like lighter or thicker crusts I like to substitute bread flour for all purpose in pizza recipes – give it a try!
Let the Mixer Dance
Allow the stand mixer to work its magic, kneading the dough into a smooth, elastic masterpiece. The dough hook attachment will become your trusty partner in crime, ensuring an even and perfect blend of ingredients. But don’t mix too long – about 4 minutes on the second speed is best and longer can make the dough tough.
If you don’t have a mixer kneading this recipe by hand gives great results in about 10 minutes. Just mix the ingredients in a bowl with a dough whisk until it starts to form a ragged dough ball and then finish by squishing it by hand on the counter under your palms. Fold it over and squish again – don’t worry too much about technique here, all we need to do is keep folding until the dough is fully mixed and forms a stretchy consistency.
If you find yourself making pizza every week like we do – I recommend picking up a KitchenAid mixer to speed things up and help with bigger batches if you’re cooking for a larger group.
Rise to the Occasion
Cover in a bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise to double its size. This is the dough’s time to shine as it absorbs the essence of the ingredients, developing that distinct pizza flavor we all crave. I like to make this dough two days before our pizza night and simply toss it covered in the refrigerator and recommend at least one day in advance.
Shape and Bake
Once the dough has risen to greatness, roll up your sleeves and shape it into the pizza masterpiece of your dreams. Take the dough out about an hour before cooking to let it warm up. I like to flatten this dough out into a square and cut it in half for two large pizzas. We usually do one cheese or pepperoni and one green pepper.
Into the Oven – Or grill
Slide your creation into the oven preheated to 450 degrees and watch as the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of baking pizza. The stand mixer has done its part, and now it’s time to wait 12-15 minutes and reap the delicious rewards.
I started grilling our pizza a few years back and recommend everyone try it out. A few small adjustments to how you make a pizza for the grill:
Set the grill on about 3/4 while preparing the dough – you really want it hot like a pizza over over 600 degrees but not so hot you scorch the pizza bottom if you are cooking right on the grates. If you have a pizza stone you can go hotter but I keep it simple and toss them right on the grill
Take your two pizza doughs and Don’t top them at all yet – no sauce! Toss them right on the grill for four minutes to cook one side and then flip them over and take immediately off the grill for topping (cooked side up!).
Cooking one side has two main benefits: they are now easier to handle when sauce and toppings are added to be put back on the grill. You also have the nice cooked side right under your sauce and toppings as the other side now cooks on the grill during round 2.
Place the topped pizzas back on the grill for about eight minutes or a bit longer if you want a well done crust.
Slice and Savor
As you cut into your freshly baked pizza, revel in the satisfaction of creating a culinary masterpiece. The crispy crust, pillowy interior, and harmonious blend of flavors will make every moment spent with your stand mixer (or strong hands!) worthwhile. Your taste buds will thank you for this flavorful journey.