Homemade Pizza

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough
   In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, mix with dough hook for 5-6 minutes on medium speed.
2. First rise
   Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. For best flavor, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours after this step.
3. Shape the pizza
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Punch down the dough and divide into two equal portions for two 12-inch pizzas. On a floured surface, stretch or roll each portion into a 12-inch circle, creating a slightly thicker rim around the edge.
4. Add toppings
   Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper or a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel. Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce evenly over each dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle each with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs. Add any additional toppings as desired, being careful not to overload the pizza.
5. Bake the pizza
   Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment if using) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Watch closely as oven temperatures can vary significantly.
6. Serve
   Remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or large spatula. If you used fresh basil, add it now. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve immediately while hot and crispy.