Classic Handcrafted Pizza

1. Prepare the dough

Begin by dividing your pizza dough into two equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Cover them with plastic and let them rest at room temperature for an hour. This rest period is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.

2. Prepare the disks

After the dough has rested, flatten each ball into a disk and lightly dust them with flour. Let the disks rest for another 15 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 500°F with a baking stone inside. The high heat and the baking stone will help you achieve a crispy crust.

3. Stretch the dough

Once the dough has rested, gently stretch each disk into a 10-inch round. Place the stretched dough on a floured peel or an inverted baking sheet. This step ensures the dough doesn't stick and can slide easily into the oven.

4. Add olive oil and toppings

Next, brush each dough round with olive oil, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. This border acts as a barrier, keeping the toppings in place and helping the crust to become crispy. Now, add your chosen toppings, making sure to leave the border untouched.

5. Bake the pizza

Carefully slide the topped pizza onto the preheated baking stone in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked to your liking. The high heat will ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and quickly.

6. Repeat with second pizza

Repeat the process with the second disk of dough and additional toppings. Enjoy your handcrafted pizza hot from the oven, with a perfectly crispy crust and delicious toppings.