The Best Pizza Dough

Ingredients

• 2–2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, divided
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/8–1/4 tsp garlic powder and/or dried basil leaves (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus additional
• 3/4 cup warm water

Instructions

1. Combine 1 cup of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. If desired, add garlic powder and dried basil at this point as well.
2. Add olive oil and warm water, and use a wooden spoon to stir very well.
3. Gradually add another 1 cup of flour. Add any additional flour as needed (up to an additional 1/3 cup), stirring until the dough is forming into a cohesive, elastic ball and is beginning to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough will still be slightly sticky but should be manageable with your hands.
4. Drizzle a separate, large, clean bowl generously with olive oil, and use a pastry brush to brush up the sides of the bowl.
5. Lightly dust your hands with flour and form your pizza dough into a round ball. Transfer to your olive oil-brushed bowl. Use your hands to roll the pizza dough along the inside of the bowl until it is coated in olive oil, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm place.
6. Allow dough to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 425°F at this point so it will have reached temperature once your pizza is ready to bake.
7. Once the dough has risen, use your hands to gently deflate it and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly until smooth, about 3–5 times.
8. Use either your hands or a rolling pin to work the dough into a 12" circle.
9. Transfer dough to a parchment paper-lined pizza pan, and either pinch the edges or fold them over to form a crust.
10. Drizzle additional olive oil (about 1 tbsp) over the top of the pizza, and use your pastry brush to brush the entire surface of the pizza, including the crust, with olive oil.
11. Use a fork to poke holes all over the center of the pizza to keep the dough from bubbling up in the oven.
12. Add desired toppings and bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 13–15 minutes or until toppings are golden brown. Slice and serve.