Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups warm water (between 105°F and 115°F)
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp sugar or honey
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided

Instructions:

  1. Combine the warm water (105°F-115°F), sugar or honey, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and smells of fresh bread.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the kosher salt to the yeast mixture. With the mixer on low, gradually add 3.5 to 4 cups of flour.
  3. Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should be tacky but not sticky.
  4. Lightly coat a large glass bowl with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour and 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven with a pizza stone inside. Stretch the dough into two 12-inch circles, add toppings, and bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is mahogany-colored and the cheese is bubbly.