Instructions

To make the pizza dough

1. Place the flour, instant yeast, salt and sugar into a large mixing bowl. I use an electric stand mixer to make bread, but you can also make the bread by hand.
2. Measure the water into a measuring jug, and add the olive oil.
3. Lightly mix together the dry ingredients.
4. Slowly add the liquid ingredients until the mixture comes together into a dough. You may not need all of the liquid, or you may need to add a bit extra.
5. Knead the dough for about 15 to 20 minutes. I generally do this on medium speed with the stand mixer.
6. The dough should be ready when it is smooth and elastic in texture.
7. Place 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil into a clean, large mixing bowl.
8. Place the dough into the bowl and turn it so that it is completely covered in the oil.
9. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel, and place the bowl somewhere warm for the dough to double in size. This should take 1 to 2 hours. (See Kitchen Notes below)
10. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it back to knock out the air.
11. Knead the dough gently (just a few turns) until it soft and smooth again.

To prepare the pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/430°F.
2. Place a large metal baking tray to preheat in the middle of the oven. If you are using a special pizza tray, pizza stone or cast-iron pan, also place this into the cold oven to preheat.
3. Transfer the dough onto a sheet of baking paper. 
4. Gently stretch the dough into your desired shape, and which will fit your pizza tray or cast-iron pan.
5. Stretch the dough by pushing from the centre outwards, creating a thick crust as you do so. As you stretch the dough, it may shrink back a little. Let the dough shrink or relax after each stretch, before you continue stretching to your desired shape. The dough will rise a little upon baking, so keep the thickness of the dough in mind.
6. Spread the dough with the sauce of your choice, leaving a small border.
7. Add some freshly grated mozzarella and the toppings of your choice.

To cook the pizza

1. When you are ready to bake, transfer the pizza – together with the baking paper – onto the pizza tray or cast-iron pan. Be careful – the pizza tray or cast-iron pan will be very hot!
2. Trim off any excess baking paper, otherwise it might catch in the oven.
3. Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the edges of the pizza are lightly golden.
4. Serve immediately.