Easy Italian Pizza Crust Recipe

1. Activate the yeast

• Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows the yeast is active.

2. Mix the dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
• Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead the dough

• Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle more flour, but don’t overdo it.

4. Let the dough rise

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the pizza base

• Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to its highest temperature (around 250°C / 475°F).
• Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each portion into a ball.
• Use a rolling pin or your hands to shape each ball into a thin, round pizza base on a floured surface.

6. Add the toppings

• Spread a generous layer of Datterino Tomato Sauce onto each pizza base.
• Add slices of mozzarella cheese, a few Whole Black Cerasola Olives, and some fresh basil leaves.
• Drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle with salt.

7. Bake the pizza

• Transfer the pizza to a baking sheet or pizza stone (if you have one) and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.