While take-out and frozen pizza certainly come in handy from time to time, making pizza at home can be a lot of fun! The options for customization to meet everyone's liking are seemingly endless (pepperoni, anchovies, pineapple, oh my!). Note: I would never choose a pizza with this combination of toppings; it was simply for illustration. Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong!
Yield: 1 large or 4 individual-sized pizzas
Ingredients:
3/4 c warm water (~110F)
2 1/4 tsp yeast
1 1/2 tsp sugar
2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp granulated garlic
2 TBSP olive oil
Cornmeal, if desired, once dough is prepared
Directions:
1. In a small bowl (with enough room for the mixture to grow several inches in height), combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar; bloom for about 5 minutes, then add the oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated garlic.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients; using a fork, mix well. Then, on a clean and gently-floured surface, use your hands to knead the dough for a few minutes.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Roll out dough into desired size and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle some cornmeal onto the parchment paper, if desired
6. Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and desired toppings.
7. Bake in a pre-heated 425°F oven for 12-15 minutes. Enjoy!