📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This is crucial for a super crispy crust!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Give it a good whisk to combine the dry ingredients.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast and 3/4 cup of warm water (around 105-115°F) to the flour mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Now get your hands dirty (or use a dough hook if you have a stand mixer) and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. It should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky; don't worry if it feels a bit tacky. It's normal!
5. Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. My kitchen gets kinda crazy warm, so sometimes it's quicker!
6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release some of the air. Lightly flour a clean work surface and transfer the dough onto it.
7. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape – I like about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for a slightly larger circle than your baking sheet or pizza stone. It'll shrink slightly as it bakes.
8. If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto it. If using a baking sheet, lightly grease it first with olive oil or cooking spray. Then carefully transfer the dough onto it.
9. Spread a layer of your favorite pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. I go pretty heavy on the sauce, cause why not?!
10. Now comes the fun part – adding the cheese. I’m talking LOTS of mozzarella. Pile it high in the center of the pizza, creating a volcano-like mound. The more cheese, the better!
11. Sprinkle your choice of toppings around the cheese mound. Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers – go wild! But, leave the cheese volcano peak clear so it will rise beautifully.
12. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Keep an eye on your pizza; every oven is a bit different.
13. Once the pizza is done, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts (trust me, it's hot!). Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Get ready for some cheesy, deliciousness!