Homemade Soft Chewy Dough (Print Version)

A versatile soft and chewy dough base that bakes to golden perfection for classic Italian dishes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 4 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
02 - 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
04 - 1 teaspoon sugar

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1½ cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add olive oil, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour if dough is sticky.
04 - Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
05 - Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and let rest, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes.
06 - Roll each dough ball on a floured surface to desired thickness.
07 - Transfer rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Add desired toppings and bake at 475°F for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Versatile base for any topping combination
  • Bakes up golden and delicious every time
02 -
  • For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone
  • Freeze extra dough portions after the first rise; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use
03 -
  • Substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for extra flavor and fiber
  • Bake on a preheated pizza stone for a crispier crust
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