Quick Pizza Dough

Last night was pizza night and movie night in our house.  My kids love helping to make the crust, shred the cheese, and put on the toppings.

This is a good, quick, basic crust.  I prefer to make it in the food processor, but you can also make it by hand if you wish.


Quick Pizza Dough

2-2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 package (2 1/4) tsp. fast acting yeast
2/3 c. hot water
1/2 tsp. sugar
 2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt.

For the food processor:
1.  Combine 3/4 c. flour, yeast and sugar in processor.  With motor running, add hot water then turn the motor off.
2.  Add oil, 1 1/4 c. flour and salt.  Process until it forms a ball. If it is too wet, add a tsp. more water at a time, or if it is too dry do the same with the flour.
3.  Process for 15 seconds more.

By hand:
1.  Whisk together 3/4 c. flour, yeast, sugar, and hot water.
2.  Stir in oil, 1 1/4 c. flour, and salt and blend until it forms dough.
3.  Knead on floured surface, incorporating the last 1/4 c. flour as necessary to prevent sticking.  Continue to knead for 5-10 minutes until elastic and smooth.


5.  Put dough in an oiled bowl and turn to coat.  Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.*
6.  Punch down and roll out onto pizza pan.
7.  Prepare and bake as you would any pizza. **

*You may use the dough without letting it rise first if you are really in a hurry, but the rising improves the flavor.
**I like to pre-bake mine at 400 degrees for a few minutes before adding the toppings.

source: foodnetwork.com