pizza dough recipe

How to Properly Stretch and Transfer Pizza Dough to a Peel

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you begin working with your dough, make sure your pizza oven is well-preheated—aiming for a temperature of around 850°F. A hot oven ensures that your pizza cooks evenly and develops a crisp crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Peel

Dust your peel with a light layer of flour or semolina to prevent the dough from sticking. This crucial step makes sure that your pizza slides off effortlessly when you’re ready to transfer it into the oven.

Step 3: Stretch the Dough

Start with a well-proofed dough ball, and gently press it outward into a circle using your fingertips, leaving a slightly thicker border for the crust. Rotate the dough as you work to keep the thickness even. If you’re comfortable, you can pick up the dough and let gravity help stretch it by gently draping it over your fists and expanding it in a circular motion.

Step 4: Place and Adjust

Carefully lay the stretched dough onto the floured peel. Here, it’s important to ensure the dough isn’t sticking by giving it a slight shake. If it doesn’t move freely, lift the edges and sprinkle more flour as needed.

Step 5: Final Check and Transfer

Once your dough is topped to your liking, perform a final shuffle test by gently jiggling the peel. This will confirm that the pizza isn’t sticking. Then, swiftly but smoothly, slide the pizza off the peel and into the oven.

By following these steps, you ensure that your pizza dough is properly stretched and transferred, resulting in a mouthwatering pie every time.

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Perfect Pizza Baking and Turning Times

For optimal results when baking your pizza, aim to bake it for a total of 90 seconds. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect bake:

1. Initial Bake: Start by letting the pizza bake for about 20 to 30 seconds without any intervention.

2. Turning Process: Using a turning peel, rotate the pizza every 20 to 30 seconds. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that delicious, evenly browned crust.

3. Total Time: Continue this process until the pizza has baked for 90 seconds in total, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness and color.

By following this method, you'll ensure that your pizza bakes evenly and emerges with a delightful, golden-brown finish.

How to Portion and Proof Pizza Dough

Creating perfect pizza dough involves a couple of critical steps—portioning and proofing. Here's an easy guide to follow:

1. Portioning the Dough:

   • Begin with a kitchen scale to achieve accuracy. Weigh the dough into segments of approximately 9 ounces each.
   • Use a dough cutter for precision. If unavailable, your hands or a kitchen knife can do the trick.
   • Shape each portion into a ball by gently tucking the edges beneath to create a smooth surface.

2. Proofing the Dough:

   • Lightly oil containers or trays to prevent sticking. Arrange the dough balls inside, ensuring they have space to expand.
   • Cover each container with a lid or plastic wrap. This prevents the dough from drying out.
   • Allow the dough to proof for roughly 8 hours at room temperature—ideally around 64°F (18°C). This slow fermentation enhances the texture and flavor of the pizza crust.

By following these steps, you'll achieve perfectly portioned and proofed dough, setting a solid foundation for your homemade pizza.

Delicious Toppings for Your Homemade Pizza

When it comes to creating the perfect homemade pizza, the sky's the limit with toppings! Start with a solid base of fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, then let your creativity shine with a variety of delectable extras.

Classic Choices

1. Pepperoni: A timeless favorite for that spicy, savory kick.
2. Mushrooms: Add some earthiness and texture with sliced mushrooms.
3. Bell Peppers: Bring a splash of color and crunch.

Meat Lover’s Picks

• Italian Sausage: Rich and bursting with flavor.
• Prosciutto: For a touch of gourmet flair.

Vegetarian Delights

• Spinach: Fresh or cooked, it adds nutrition and taste.
• Artichokes: Perfect for those who love Mediterranean flavors.

Seafood and Gourmet Options

• Anchovies: For a salty, umami punch.
• Smoked Salmon: Elevate your pizza to a refined treat.

Cheese Variations

• Feta: Adds a tangy twist.
• Blue Cheese: For an adventurous palate.

Explore these toppings and discover what combinations make your homemade pizza unforgettable. The perfect slice is just a few flavorful ingredients away!

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