Homemade Pizza Dough or Calzones Recipe (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Homemade Pizza (or Calzones)

Prep Time: 20 Min
Rise Time:  1 to 1 1/2 Hrs
Cook Time: 12 – 15 Min
Servings: Two 12-inch pizzas (or two Calzones)

Ingredients:

• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
• 1 1/3 cups Warm Water (105° to 115°, we just run the tap for a few mins and measure directly into the bowl)
• 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar (optional)
• 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce for each pizza
• 1  8 oz pkg Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (divided in half for each Pizza)
• Other Favorite Family Toppings

Directions:

1. Combine in a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer), active dry yeast and warm water.
2. Let stand 5 mins until the yeast is dissolved.
3. Add flour, olive oil, salt, and sugar.
4. Mix by hand (or on low speed in the mixer) for about 1 minute to blend all the ingredients.
5. Knead for about 10 minutes by hand (or with a dough hook on low/medium) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Divide the dough in half and roll into two balls.
7. Transfer the dough to a bowl (or we use a plate) that has been coated with olive oil (so it doesn’t stick).
8. Coat the top of each ball with olive oil also.
9. Cover both bowls/plates loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours) {we just set it on the counter…because we live in FL, so our inside temp is around 78}.
10. Preheat oven to 475 °. {if making Calzone, preheat to 450°}
11. Grease baking sheet (or pizza stone) with butter.
12. Spread each ball of dough on lightly floured work surface into pizza shape (don’t forget to pinch the edge so you have a nice crust).
    {Calzone: keep crust a little thicker and spread into about a 10 inch round}
13. Place on baking sheet (or pizza stone) and top with favorite toppings.
    {Calzone: load ingredients on to half of the dough and fold over into a half circle and tightly seal the edges with your fingertips}
14. Brush the top of outside crust with Olive oil to make crispy and keep from getting soggy.
15. Bake for about 12 minutes until the crust is browned and cheese is golden.
    {Calzone: Reduce oven temp to 400° and bake for 30 to 35 mins}
16. Remove from oven, slice and serve at once 🙂

Photo credit goes to PizzaRecipes101!

~Happy Pizza-Pie Making!