Basic Pizza Dough

Directions

1. 1
   In a small mixing bowl, whisk together yeast, warm water, sugar and olive oil.
2. 2
   Let sit for about 3 minutes to fully dissolve and activate the yeast.
3. 3
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
4. 4
   With a rubber spatula, gradually mix the yeast mixture into the flour until just combined and dough barely holds together.
5. 5
   Turn the dough out onto a clean counter surface dusted with flour.
6. 6
   Knead the dough with flour-dusted hands until the dough has become smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
7. 7
   The surface should be tight and silky and bounce back slightly when pressed.
8. 8
   Lightly grease a large mixing bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it.
9. 9
   Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
10. 10
    Once doubled, punch the dough down and divide it into 2 equal pieces.
11. 11
    Knead each 1 slightly to form a uniform ball.
12. 12
    Set aside and cover them with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to rest for 30 minutes.
13. 13
    Cook's Note: Dough can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight once it is divided.
14. 14
    Keep covered tightly in plastic wrap or in a sealed food storage bag.