Homemade Pizza Dough

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1 Place warm water in small bowl. Add sugar and yeast; stir until completely dissolved. Let stand 10 minutes until foamy.
• 2 Place flour in medium bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour. Pour water mixture and olive oil into the well. Begin to mix flour into water mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula until dough begins to come together and forms a shaggy mass. Add salt and mix 1 minute longer.
• 3 Knead dough by hand on lightly floured surface 5 to 10 minutes or until dough bounces back when pressed. (You can also knead dough in a stand mixer with dough hook attachment on medium speed, if desired.) Place dough in a large, well-greased bowl. Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Place bowl in a warm, draft-free place, such as inside the microwave or a turned-off oven. Allow to rise until dough is doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
• 4 Turn dough out onto floured surface and press to deflate any gas bubbles that may have formed. Divide dough into 2 equal pieces; form each into a smooth ball. Cover with clean kitchen towel and let rest 15 to 20 minutes. Stretch and shape dough into 12-inch rounds and layer with your favorite sauce, cheese and toppings. (Makes 2 (12-inch) pizza crusts.)
• 5 Test Kitchen Tip: When you’re ready to pop your homemade pizza in the oven, bake at 450°F about 8 to 10 minutes, or until crust is browned and crispy and cheese is melted.