Classic American Pizza Dough

Directions

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   Note: If using active dry yeast, combine the yeast with the warm water and set aside to proof.
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   1.
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   Place all dry ingredients into the mixing bowl and stir together.
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   If using instant yeast, add the yeast to the dry ingredients.
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   2.
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   Add the wet ingredients and, using the paddle attachment on you stand mixer, mix on low speed for 1 minute until all the ingredients are combined.
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   3.
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   Let the dough sit for 1-5 minutes and mix on medium/low for another minute.
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   Slowly add more flour if needed until you end up with a soft dough.
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    It should be a like a sticky note.
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    If you stick your finger into the dough, it should slide off smoothly.
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    If its still sticky, add more flour.
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    4.
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    Rub oil on a work surface and your hands.
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    Scoop the dough out onto the work surface.
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    Stretch the dough out into a rectangle.
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    Fold the ends over center of the dough like you were folding a piece of paper into itself to fit in an envelope.
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    Fold into a ball, cover with a bowl, and let sit for 5 minutes.
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    5.
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    Repeat this folding and resting technique 3 times for a total of 4 kneading sessions.
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    6.
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    Place the dough into an oiled bowl large enough to hold the dough when it doubles in size.
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    Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for 1-3 days.
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    7.
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    Remove the dough and divide into 4 pieces for New York Style pizza and 3 pieces for deep dish pizza.
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    8.
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    Any dough not being cooked immediately should be stored in an oiled plastic baggie in the freezer.
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    When ready to use the frozen dough, allow it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and place at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
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    For New York style pizza: 1.
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    Place the pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees F. 2.
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    Generously flour a work surface and your hands.
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    3.
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    Place the dough over the back of your hands and move them around the edge of the dough, allowing gravity to pull the dough down.
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    4.
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    Place the dough on the work surface and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
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    5.
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    Repeat this stretching process until the dough is 10-12 inches wide.
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    6.
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    Scoop a small amount of sauce onto the top of the dough.
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    Using the back of a spoon spread the sauce over the dough.
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    You only want to kiss the dough with sauce; it should be barely coated.
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    7.
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    Add the desired amount of cheese (I like a lot).
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    Feel free to add different types of cheese.
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    Using little puffs of ricotta is delicious!
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    8.
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    Sprinkle the seasonings on top of the pizza.
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    8.
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    Slide the pizza onto the pizza stone and cook for 5 minutes.
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    Check the underside of the pizza to ensure the pizza crust is rich golden brown.
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    For deep dish pizza: 1.
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    Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and line the bottom of an 8-9 cake pan with parchment paper.
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    2.
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    Place the dough over the back of your hands and move them around the edge of the dough, allowing gravity to pull the dough down.
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    3.
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    Place the dough into the pan and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
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    4.
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    Using your fingers press the dough to fill the pan.
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    5.
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    Scoop a small amount of sauce onto the top of the dough.
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    Using the back of a spoon spread the sauce over the dough.
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    You only want to kiss the dough with sauce; it should be barely coated.
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    6.
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    Add the desired amount of cheese (I like a lot).
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    Feel free to add different types of cheese.
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    Using little puffs of ricotta is delicious!
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    7.
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    Sprinkle the seasonings on top of the pizza.
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    8.
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    Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
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    Cook until the pizza crust is rich golden brown.