The One With the Homemade Pizza Dough

Sometimes, even after I post a recipe, I decide that it needs to be improved upon. Or as I make it a couple more times I make adjustments that prove to be worthwhile. Normally, I just edit the original post. But this one seemed like it deserved a re-post.

In the original post, Mama Style Homemade Pizza, I used pre-made Pillsbury Pizza Dough. Although it is extremely convenient if you don't have a Kitchen Aid with a dough hook or a bread maker, it is also a bit difficult to work with and pricey. So when I got my Kitchen Aid, I was crazy excited to make my own dough. (And when I say "crazy excited," really, you have no idea. I literally mean "crazy.")

Anyway, I found this incredibly easy recipe for homemade pizza dough. It's much more maneagable and just about free considering everything it requires is likely in your cupboard. If you like making pizza or bread a lot, I would recommend buying jars instead of packets of yeast. It's much more cost effective.

And because I've also perfected the pizza toppings, I'll give you the updated recipe for that, too. Make away!

Homemade Pizza
(Makes one medium pizza / 4 servings)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Dough from Scratch

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or one 1/4 ounce packet)
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar

In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast on top of the warm water. Set aside for ten minutes, until foamy.
Using a dough hook (or a bread maker, according to manufacturer's directions), combine water/yeast mixture with flour, olive oil, salt and sugar. Stir to thoroughly combine. Set aside to rise for 30 minutes, until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, prepare your pizza toppings

Toppings

• 1/3 - 1/2 pound Mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 1/2 (14 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Pepperoni, sliced
• 1/2 Tablespoon basil
• 1/2 Tablespoon oregano
• Olives, diced
• Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Once your dough is ready, pour a small amount of olive oil into your palm and rub it all over your clean hands. This will make the dough easier to handle. Mound your dough into a ball and drop it onto your prepared pizza pan or stone (some require oil, some corn starch, etc.). Work the dough out into a pizza shape, using the heel of your hand to make it as flat and thin as possible. Once you have a circle, use your fingers to roll a crust.

Starting on the outside and working your way towards the center of the dough, arrange your Mozzarella cheese in a tile-like placement until the dough is covered. Drain the tomatoes and then sprinkle them on top. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the tomatoes. Arrange the pepperonis in a circular fashion. Sprinkle the basil and oregano over the pepporoni. Top with olives and Parmesan cheese. Finally, drizzle with olive oil.

Place in preheated oven and cook for about 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. You can even use a spatula to lift the pizza slightly and check the underside for done-ness.

Allow to cool for a few minutes, slice up and serve. :-) Maybe you should make some root beer floats featuring Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream for you dessert...