New York-Style Pizza Crust

Step 1

Combine water and sugar in small bowl; stir to dissolve sugar.

Step 2

Sprinkle yeast on top; stir to combine.

Step 3

Let stand 5 to 10 minutes or until foamy.

Step 4

Combine flour and salt in medium bowl.

Step 5

Stir in yeast mixture.

Step 6

Mix until mixture forms soft dough.

Step 7

Remove dough to lightly floured surface.

Step 8

Knead 5 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic, adding additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed.

Step 9

Place dough in medium bowl coated with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 10

Turn dough in bowl so top is coated with cooking spray; cover with towel or plastic wrap.

Step 11

Let rise in warm place 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Step 12

Punch dough down; place on lightly floured surface and knead about 2 minutes or until smooth.

Step 13

Pat dough into flat disc about 7 inches in diameter.

Step 14

Let rest 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 15

Pat and gently stretch dough from edges until dough seems to not stretch anymore.

Step 16

Let rest 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 17

Continue patting and stretching until dough is 12 to 14 inches in diameter.

Step 18

Spray 12- to 14-inch pizza pan with nonstick spray; sprinkle with commeal, if desired.

Step 19

Press dough into pan.

Step 20

Preheat oven to 5OOF.

Step 21

Follow directions for individual recipes, baking pizza on bottom rack of oven.