📖 Instructions

1. First, get your oven blazing hot! Preheat it to 500°F (260°C) with your pizza stone (if you have one) inside. This is crucial for that crispy crust we're after. Trust me, don't skip this step!
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Make sure the yeast isn't too old – nobody wants a pizza that doesn't rise, right?
3. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. It's okay if it looks a little rough at this point.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and pliable – like a baby's bottom, almost! If it's too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time. But don't overdo it!
5. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
6. Punch down the dough to release the air. This is oddly satisfying, isn't it?
7. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out one half of the dough into a thin, about 12-inch circle. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try tossing it like they do in the movies!
8. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. This helps it slide easily onto the hot pizza stone. If you're using a baking sheet, you can skip this step.
9. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent it from getting soggy. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Don't go overboard with the sauce – less is more!
10. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your favorite toppings: pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, whatever your heart desires! But remember, don't overload it.
11. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place the baking sheet in the oven). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it!
12. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Seriously, you made pizza. From scratch. How cool is that?