Best Pizza Dough

I've tried several homemade pizza dough and this one is by far my favorite.  The crust ends up perfect and the taste is just right.  The downside to this dough is that you cannot use it right away.  You need to let your dough rest for about an hour, but if you plan ahead then you should definitely give it a try.  If time is an issue for you, I'll soon be sharing a different pizza dough recipe that you can use right away.  It's also pretty good, but like I said, this one is my favorite.

This recipe will be enough to make about 3 large pizzas,  We have large family and when my kids want to have a "make your own" pizza night, I like to make 1.5 times the recipe to ensure I have enough dough for them and still have enough dough to make 2 large, and one smallish pan of bread sticks.

INGREDIENTS:

4.5 tsp yeast

4 tsp sugar

3 c warm water

6 tbsp olive oil

3 tsp salt

2 tsp white vinegar

8-9 c flour 

In a bowl combine 1 cup warm water with the sugar and yeast.  Stir to dissolve the yeast and let sit for about 5 minutes.

Add the remaining 2 cups of water, olive oil, salt, and vinegar.

Begin mixing on medium-low speed, gradually add the flour and knead for about 7 minutes, or until your dough is smooth and elastic.  You might need to add a little more flour than what I listed on here.  The dough should be slightly sticky, but not so sticky that it really sticks to your fingers.

Cover bowl and let the dough rest in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Punch dough and place on lightly greased or floured counter top.  Divide dough into 3 large pieces.

Roll and stretch to desired thickness.  You can let dough rest while you preheat the oven to 440-450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brush pizza dough lightly with olive oil and prick it all over with a fork.  Pre-bake dough on a hot pizza stone for 6 minutes.

Remove from oven and add your favorite pizza sauce and toppings.  Return to oven and bake for 8-15 more minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.  Enjoy!!!