King Arthur Baking's Pizza Dough Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Crust

Are you dreaming of that perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside pizza? Look no further! This guide will walk you through making King Arthur Baking's renowned pizza dough recipe, a favorite among home bakers for its ease and delicious results. We'll delve into the ingredients, the process, and even offer tips for variations to make it your own.

Why Choose King Arthur Baking's Recipe?

King Arthur Baking Company is known for its high-quality ingredients and meticulously tested recipes. Their pizza dough recipe consistently delivers exceptional results, even for novice bakers. The recipe balances ease of preparation with a fantastic final product, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight pizzas and weekend masterpieces.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas. Adjust accordingly for your needs.

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) lukewarm water (105-115°F)
• 2 teaspoons (4g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (6g) sugar
• 2 tablespoons (24g) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
• 3 1/2 cups (440g) unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and active.

2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the olive oil and salt.

3. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

6. Shape and Prepare: Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it in half (or into more pieces depending on the size of your pizzas). Shape each portion into a ball. Let the dough rest for another 15-20 minutes.

7. Roll and Top: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into your desired pizza shape and size. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.

8. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 450-500°F (232-260°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust.

Tips and Variations:

• For a crispier crust: Use a pizza stone and preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes.
• For a chewier crust: Use less flour and knead the dough for a little longer.
• Experiment with flours: Try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a more robust flavor and texture.
• Add herbs and spices: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano or basil into the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion: Your Pizza Journey Starts Here!

With King Arthur Baking's pizza dough recipe, creating delicious homemade pizza becomes achievable for everyone. Follow these steps, experiment with variations, and enjoy the rewarding experience of making pizza from scratch! Happy baking!