Creative Recipes: Pizzeria Quality Pizza Dough

Step 1: Gather Fresh Ingredients for Ultimate Flavor

Ordinary items found in most kitchen cabinets constitute the basic pizza dough ingredients. They consist of flour, active dry yeast, salt and oil. If the yeast or flour is not fresh, however, the pizza may not rise or may have a stale flavor. Some recipes call for olive oil while others may recommend vegetable oil. The kind of oil used varies. Before combining the mixture, assemble all of the ingredients together, check expiry dates and confirm quantities.

Step 2: Prepare the Kitchen in Advance

To knead and stretch the dough suitably, a thoroughly clean work surface will be necessary and you need to have plenty of elbow room. Sharp knives, a pizza pan and supplementary cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking are important, as well as a substantial sized mixing bowl, preferably one with a tightly fitted cover. Thoroughly clean and dry all cooking tools before use. An average area temperature provides the best setting for both dough prep work and when the dough is set aside to rise. Steer clear of working in a kitchen area that is too hot or too cold.

Step 3: Follow the Recipe Closely

Making pizza dough the very first time takes some perseverance, particularly during the kneading and handling part of the recipe. Prior to starting, go through all preparation steps very carefully and allow sufficient time to permit the dough to rest and rise. Hurried pizza dough will become harder to handle and could result in a crust that is too chewy, tough or falls apart too readily.

Pizza Preparation Tips: It is often a good idea to perform a practice pizza or two and try a new recipe before welcoming family or friends to dinner. Dough preparation techniques can take a little practice. Each dough recipe might have minor variations that affect the final product. Remember oven temperatures may vary, and it is vital to preheat fully before placing dough in the oven to bake, except when actually described. Oven temperatures often vary, handling techniques might take a little practice and each new recipe could have minor variations affecting the final result.