The Best pizza dough ever!

I found this bread book that I liked and decided to buy it. I have not tried many of the recipes, but of the ones I have tried, this is certainly the best. It comes out delicious every time and it’s pretty easy to do. The hardest part is planning ahead to make it. But if you want a really great pizza, make this one.

My Favorite Pizza Dough from Bread Making by Lauren Chattman

1 cup room temperature water

¾ tsp instant yeast

2 cups plus 2 Tbl unbleached all-purpose flour

¾ tsp salt

Mix all the ingredients together with a large spoon. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Then knead by hand or with a stand mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic. (I always test this by holding a small portion and trying to make a thin film that light can pass through, but the dough does not rip. If it rips, keep kneading! If the dough is too sticky, add more, 2 Tbls at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky. In my stand mixer this takes 5 - 10 minutes and I check it several times along the way. )

Spray a mixing bowl with non-stick spray and place dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for 3-4 hours. (I start this dough around 2pm and end up eating around 7pm).

When your dough is done rising, preheat your oven to 500 degrees (yes, 500 degrees). Prepare your pizza pan (or a baking sheet will work fine too) with non stick spray. Roll your dough onto a floured surface into the desired shape (depending on the shape of your pan). Then transfer gently to your prepared pan. Top with your desired toppings including but not limited to: red sauce, white sauce, Bbq sauce, pepperoni, onions, peppers, sausage, chicken, tomatoes, and cheeses of all varieties.

Bake for 15-18 minutes (but you may want to start checking at 13 or so minutes).