Step 1 of 14
Pizza
Microwave the water in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 second increments until water is warm to the touch. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and sugar. Let yeast activate for 5 minutes.
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Step 2 of 14
Pizza
Transfer the yeast mixture to stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix on medium-low speed until the dough forms a ball. If dough seems dry and is not coming together, add 1 tablespoon of water and mix until a ball has formed.
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Step 3 of 14
Pizza
Knead dough on medium speed until it is smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes.
PRO TIP If kneading the dough by hand, increase kneading time to about 8 minutes.
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Step 4 of 14
Pizza
Spray a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray and transfer dough to bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let dough proof at room temperature until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
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Step 5 of 14
Pizza
Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place a pizza stone in center of the oven.
PRO TIP If you do not own a pizza stone, use an upside-down sheet pan as your stone.
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Step 6 of 14
Pizza
Lightly flour two large pieces of parchment paper. Cut the dough in half. Use one half per pizza. Using your fists, gently stretch the dough out from the center. Move your fists out toward the edges to form a large circle. Stretch the dough out as much as possible, then roll out to form a 12-inch circle. Place the dough on a piece of floured parchment. Place the parchment and dough on a sheet pan. Repeat with second half of dough on second sheet pan.
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Step 7 of 14
Pizza
For a cheese pizza, use a ladle or spoon to spread marinara over the pizza dough, leaving a border of 1/2 inch around the edge. Sprinkle on the mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Step 8 of 14
Pizza
For a pepperoni pizza, arrange the pepperoni over cheese.
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Step 9 of 14
Pizza
For a veggie pizza, arrange the mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and green peppers over cheese pizza.
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Step 10 of 14
Pizza
For a Hawaiian pizza, arrange the deli ham and pineapple over cheese pizza.
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Step 11 of 14
Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza dough from the parchment paper onto center of pizza stone. Use a spatula if needed to help guide pizza off the parchment paper. Bake the pizza until edges are crispy golden brown and cheese is bubbly and melted, 9-10 minutes.
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Step 12 of 14
Pizza
When done, remove first pizza and set aside. Bake the second pizza until edges are crispy and golden brown and cheese is bubbly and melted, 9-10 minutes.
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Step 13 of 14
Pizza
Check to see that pizza is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 14 of 14
Pizza
Use a metal serving spatula to transfer the pizza to a serving dish. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then cut with a pizza cutter and serve.