Step 1

Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Combine all of the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer or a medium mixing bowl. Mix and knead the dough — using the dough hook on the mixer, or by hand — until it's smooth and bouncy, about 5 minutes with a machine or 7 to 10 minutes by hand.

Step 2

, Cover the dough and allow it to rise until it’s puffy but not quite doubled in bulk, about 60 minutes.

Step 3

, Drizzle olive oil onto a 12” pizza pan or a baking sheet; a darker (anodized) pan will yield a crispier crust. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it into a 12” circle. Cover the crust and allow it to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4

, Meanwhile, place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F.

Step 5

, Top the pizza as desired and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 6

, Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it from the pan to a rack to cool slightly before serving.