The Best Homemade Pizza Crust

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let mixture stand for 5-10 minutes until completely dissolved and yeast is beginning to bubble.Stir in 1 ½ cups flour, salt, and olive oil with a wooden spoon. Then gradually add 2 more cups of flour until the dough starts to ball up. The dough should be soft and sticky. If the dough is too wet add another tablespoon or 2 of flour.

Step 2

Tip the dough on to a lightly floured surface and sprinkle flour on top. Knead for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Coat your previously used bowl with olive oil. Shape your dough into a ball and place into the bowl. Pull a large piece of plastic wrap out and spray it with cooking spray. Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap (cooking spray side down). Place in a warm place to rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size (see notes).

Step 4

After dough has doubled, knock the air out of the dough. Knead a couple of times until the dough tightens up a little bit. Divide the dough in half and shape into 2 balls. Place back into the bowl, recover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 15 minutes. You can freeze one ball at this point if you’d like (see notes).

Step 5

Preheat oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Take your baking sheet or pizza stone and coat with cooking spray or olive oil. Sprinkle cornmeal over baking sheet or pizza stone (this gives the pizza an extra crunch and texture—don’t skip it!)

Step 6

Tip dough on to lightly floured surface and using a rolling pin, roll pizza into a 12-inch circle. Transfer dough to baking sheet or pizza stone. Turn edge of dough in a bit and pinch to create a crust.

Step 7

In a small bowl mix the ingredients listed under “Olive Oil Mixture for Brushing Pizza.” Use a pastry brush (or a spoon if you don’t have one) and coat the pizza crust with the mixture. Then sprinkle with additional cornmeal. Prick the pizza crust with a fork a few times to prevent bubble from forming.

Step 8

Add desired toppings to pizza crust and bake for 10-12 minutes