How To Make Pizza Crust

Making pizza crust can seem like a tedious task. However, it is a simple and fun task that can be shared with the family. The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find in any local grocery store. This could get a little messy, but only if you let it.

To make pizza crust, you will need:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, and a little extra for dusting
• 1 1/4 oz active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 tbsp. olive oil, and some extra for coating

1. Pour 1/4 cup warm water into a small bowl, and stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Make sure sugar is fully dissolve before moving to the next step.
2. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the water and sugar mixture. It will be floating on top. This is exactly what you want. Let it float for one minute.
3. Stir the yeast into the water. Make sure it is well blended. Let it stand for 10 minutes. If the yeast does not bubble in the mixture it is because it is either old or no longer active. Old yeast will not work. Your dough will not rise.
4. Pour this mixture into a large bowl, and stir in the rest of the water, the olive oil, flour, and salt. Make sure that everything is mixed well. This will ensure an almost perfect pizza crust.
5. Mix the dough, preferably with a wooden spoon. Wooden utensils are best for any type of bread or dough mixture. 
6. Form the dough into a ball, and place it on a surface that has already been sprinkled with flour. You can use your countertop or a cutting board.
7. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. Make sure the dough has an elastic texture. It should be smooth, without any clumps.
8. Coat the inside of a glass or ceramic bowl with olive oil, and place the dough ball into the bowl. Then flip it over so that both sides get oil. You may want to wash your hands after this. The oil can be messy. 
9. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place it in a warm area. Let it sit for an hour and a half, more or less. This will allow the pizza crust dough to rise. This will also allow some clean up time. It makes one and a half pounds of dough.
10. Roll out pizza crust, top and bake. Baking times will differ depending on the amount of toppings, and the texture you want your crust to be. Bake longer for crunchier crust. Pizza is ready when golden brown and cheese is bubbly. This can take anywhere from 25 to 35 minutes at 400 degrees.

Resources:

 Meals Matter