Classic Pizza Dough

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:46:07 GMT

Step 1

Place two-thirds of the water in a large bowl. In a saucepan or microwave, bring the other third of water to the boil, then add it to the cold water in the bowl. This creates the correct temperature for activating yeast. Whisk the salt and yeast into the warm water.

Step 2

If mixing by hand: Place the flour in a large bowl and pour the yeast mixture into it. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form. Continue mixing by hand until the dough comes together in a ball. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead with both hands for about 10 minutes, until it is firm and stretchy. Return the dough to the bowl. Cover with clingfilm (plastic wrap) and leave to prove (rise) in a warm place for 1–2 hours.

Step 3

If using a mixer: Fit the mixer with the dough hook, and place the flour in the mixer bowl. Turn the machine on at a low speed and gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour. Once combined, leave the dough to keep mixing at the same speed for 5–10 minutes, or until the dough is firm and stretchy. Cover the dough with clingfilm (plastic wrap) and leave to prove (rise) in a warm place for 1–2 hours.

Step 4

When the dough has roughly doubled in size, divide it into 3 or 5 equal pieces, depending on what size you want your pizzas to be. Place each piece of dough in a separate bowl or tray, cover with clingfilm (plastic wrap) and leave to prove (rise) for another 20 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Kneading and stretching the dough: Our top tip is always to start with a perfectly rounded ball of dough as this helps to keep the shape of the pizza base circular during the stretching process. Place the ball on a lightly floured surface, flour your hands and use your fingertips to press the dough into a small, flat disc. Working from the centre, push the dough outwards while spreading your fingers, making the disc slightly bigger. Pick up the dough and gently pinch it all around the edge, allowing gravity to pull it downwards into a 30cm (12in) circle. Neapolitan style pizza bases are very thin, so you should be able to see through the base when you hold it up to the light. Take care when doing this – you don’t want it to tear.

Step 6

Once the dough is fully stretched, lightly flour your pizza peel and lay the base on it. If at this point you see any small holes in the dough, gently pinch them back together. Once you’re happy with the base, add your toppings and bake as indicated in your chosen recipe.

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