3-1/2cupsflour, dividedwhole wheat, AP, or a mixture of the two
2-1/4tspyeastOr 1 pouch yeast
1dashsalt
1Tbspsugar (optional)
1cupwarm water
2Tbspolive oil, divided
flour for dusting
Instructions
Pour 1-1/4 cups of the flour into a stand mixer bowl and whisk in sugar and salt using the paddle.
Pour the 1 cup warm water and olive oil into the mixing bowl while mixer is running on low. Pause mixer and scrape down sides of the bowl to incorporate all the flour. Once combined, increase speed to medium for 2 minutes to remove lumps.
Once no lumps exist, replace paddle with dough hook and begin slowly adding the rest of the flour while mixer is on low. Watching for a soft but pliable dough that is no longer tacky (moist).
Allow the dough to be kneaded by the mixer for 5 minutes to strengthen the gluten. When finished, create a tight ball of dough. If you are only using some of the dough and saving the rest, this is when you would tightly roll the extra dough in plastic wrap and freeze it for later.
Lightly grease a bowl and roll the topside of the dough ball in it. Place dough ball seams side down and cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
Dough is now ready to be divided and used in pizza creation.
Notes
You do not need a stand mixer to create this dough, simply follow the steps using a large mixing bowl and a strong spoon. Make sure that you work the initial sponge well enough to remove lumps.If you plan to freeze the extra pizza dough, do the initial mixing but don't allow it to rise! Divide the dough into desired portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Allow to thaw on the counter for a few hours before using the next time.