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Rustic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe

A classic Neapolitan-style dough yielding a thin, crisp base with rich flavor and authentic texture. Ideal for traditional toppings and a true Italian pizzeria experience at home.
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Course: dough
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Rustic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2.25 cups cold water
  • 1.5 tsp sea salt
  • Favorite toppings see below
  • 5 cups all-purpose or 00 flour plus more for dusting
  • 1.5 tsp instant dry yeast or active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Topping Suggestions:

  • Caramelized onions
  • Smoked mozzarella cheese
  • Sauteed mushrooms
  • Arrabiata sauce
  • Roasted peppers
  • Heirloom tomatoes
  • Ricotta meatballs
  • Fresh basil
  • Green onions

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to its maximum temperature—at least 525°F—and allow a pizza stone to heat inside for 45 minutes to an hour. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, yeast, and sea salt. Mix briefly on low speed, then pour in cold water.
  • Replace the paddle with the dough hook and continue mixing on low for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and only slightly adheres to the bottom of the bowl. If the dough clings to the sides, incorporate a small amount of flour; if overly dry, adjust with a touch more water.
  • Turn the dough onto a surface, divide into six equal portions, and shape each into a ball. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a draft-free place, such as a turned-off oven, for 2 hours. The dough may also be refrigerated or frozen at this stage.
  • Lightly flour your countertop. Flatten a single dough ball into a ½-inch thick round or oval using your fingertips. Stretch it gently with your knuckles until approximately 10 inches across, being careful not to tear it.
  • Generously coat a pizza peel or a piece of sturdy cardboard with semolina flour or cornmeal. Lay the stretched dough on the surface, ensuring it slides freely. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of sauce into the center, spreading with the back of a spoon while keeping a 1-inch border clear and avoiding contact with the peel. Sprinkle with mozzarella and arrange desired toppings sparingly.
  • Transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated stone and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the edges are golden brown. For breakfast versions with egg, bake approximately 6 minutes for optimal doneness. Once baked, remove and garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Let stand briefly before slicing.
  • By Hand Method
  • Combine flour, salt, yeast, and cold water in a large bowl using a wooden spoon. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms. Proceed with the division, rising, and baking steps as outlined above.
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Notes

For best results, always preheat the stone thoroughly. If you desire a charred finish, switch to the broiler for the last moments of baking. When using heirloom tomatoes, select firm varieties and slice thinly to avoid excess moisture.