Pizza Crust
1 3/4 cup warm water
1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast (recommended: RapidRise)
2 teaspoons salt
4 1/2 to 5 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for bowl
Cornmeal, for pan
Directions
Preheat oven at 450 degrees F.
Measure out 1 3/4 cups warm water (it should be pleasantly warm on your wrist). Sprinkle the yeast on top of the water and allow it to activate, about 5 minutes.
Add 4 1/2 cups Flour, Salt and Oil mix with dough hook on low for about a minute. Scrape bowl and mix on medium for about 3 minutes add the additional flour if needed, mix until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until doubled in size, then punch it down. Divide it in half; each half will make 1 (14-inch) pizza.
Place on a cornmeal-dusted pizza stone, pizza pan, or cookie sheet. Roll up edge slightly to create a ridge around the pizza. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until crust is light brown.
Cook's Note: If using only half dough, freeze the other half. Place the dough in a resealable freezer bag. To thaw, remove the bag from the freezer and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Roll the dough out while cold then allow it to come to room temperature before adding toppings.
