Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour: 3 1/2 cups (420g), plus extra for dusting
  • Instant dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (4g)
  • Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons (9g)
  • Warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C): 1 1/2 cups (355ml)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml), plus extra for greasing
  • Canned crushed tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce / 794g) can
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (2g)
  • Dried basil: 1 teaspoon (2g)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g), or to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1g), or to taste
  • Mozzarella cheese: 8 ounces (227g), shredded
  • Pepperoni: 4 ounces (113g), sliced
  • Mushrooms: 4 ounces (113g), sliced
  • Green bell pepper: 1/2, thinly sliced
  • Red onion: 1/4, thinly sliced
  • Black olives: 1/4 cup (38g), sliced

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer for 5 minutes.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) with a pizza stone (if using) inside.
  7. Punch down the risen dough. Divide in half (if making two pizzas). Roll or stretch each half into a 12-inch circle.
  8. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza peel. Spread with sauce, then top with mozzarella cheese and desired toppings.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.