Prepare a homemade pizza

"Learn how to make the best homemade pizza with fresh ingedients and an easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect dough, delicious toppings, and ready in no time!"

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the toppings:

• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup other toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Make the dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center.

   • Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well.

   • Stir with a spoon until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough:

   • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

   • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

4. Let the dough rise:

   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

   • Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

5. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

6. Shape the dough:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles.

   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a round shape (about 12 inches in diameter).

   • Transfer the rolled dough to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.

7. Assemble the pizza:

   • Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

   • Add your desired toppings.

8. Bake the pizza:

   • Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade pizza!