HOMEMADE PIZZA CRUST 
Grease 2 (12 inch) pizza pans.

3 1/2 to 4 c. flour
1 1/2 c. water or half water and half flat beer
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. olive oil

Heat water to 115°F degrees. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup of the warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, salt, olive oil and remaining water to make a soft dough (or use 3/4 cup water plus 3/4 cup flat beer for extra flavor). Stir in dissolved yeast plus enough remaining flour to make a semi-stiff dough.

Turn onto floured board; knead until all remaining flour is absorbed and dough is smooth.

Place in a greased bowl; turning to grease top of dough.

Let rise until doubled (about 40 minutes). When pressed with two fingers 1/4-inch deep, the impressions should remain; if they spring back, dough hasn't risen sufficiently; let it rise for a longer time.

Punch down. Divide in half. Form into 2 (12 inch) circles, pressing indentations into the dough with your fingers.

Top with favorite pizza toppings and bake at 325°F degrees until bubbly.

Note: You may substitute 2 1/2 cups of the all purpose flour with 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour to make an excellent whole wheat crust.

Cooks Tip: Dough will be easier to handle if you coat your hands with olive oil.

recipe reviews
Homemade Pizza Crust
 #32241
 Sheila (New Mexico) says:
I made this for dinner tonight and my husband and son both enjoyed it , I think I'll be making this again soon.
 #33889
 Linda (Pennsylvania) says:
Really great, and simple, pizza dough. I don't use any others. Turns out great every time.
   #64928
 Michael (Ontario) says:
What effect would could I expect from using flat beer? Would it alter taste as well as the doughs consistency?

At my old pizzeria job, they let the dough set for over 48 hours, though when busy they used newer dough. I never noticed the difference though, would someone happen to know?
 #178520
 Mark (New York) replies:
THE BEER would give it a beery, yeasty taste. Also, if you refrigerate for at least a day, and longer, sometimes up to 3-4 days depending on how much yeast is used, the dough will develop better taste. It will create alcohols the longer refrigerated, to a point that it will fall flat if left in too long. Finding the proper balance is the key to a great pizza dough... Hope this helps.

 

Recipe Index