Artisan Herb-Infused Pizza Dough

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to your new favorite pizza base: Artisan Herb-Infused Pizza Dough. This recipe elevates a simple pizza night with aromatic herbs that infuse each bite with incredible flavor. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight.

Ingredients for Artisan Herb-Infused Pizza Dough

Flour forms the base of our dough, providing structure and chewiness. Use all-purpose for the best texture. Warm water is crucial for activating the yeast; make sure it's around 110°F to get those little organisms working their magic. Speaking of, active dry yeast is our leavening agent, helping the dough rise to perfection. Olive oil adds richness and flavor, while salt enhances the overall taste. Our hero, the Italian herb mix, bursts with basil, oregano, and thyme, giving the dough its signature flavor. Finally, a touch of sugar feeds the yeast and balances the flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on.
  • For an extra crispy crust, roll the dough thinner and bake on a pizza stone.
  • Experiment with different herb blends for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This herb-infused pizza pairs beautifully with a fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. Consider serving it alongside a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herbal notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, after the first rise, divide the dough into portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw completely before using.
What if I don't have Italian herbs?
You can use any dried herbs you have on hand, or even fresh ones, just chop them finely.
How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?
Dough should roughly double in size. Press a finger into it lightly; if the indentation remains, it's ready.

Artisan Herb-Infused Pizza Dough Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You should see some bubbles forming, which means the yeast is activated and ready to go.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and Italian herb mix. This ensures the herbs and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture, stirring gently, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to mix until it starts to come together as a dough.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes. You're looking for a smooth and elastic texture. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for an hour or until it doubles in size.

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide it into portions depending on how many pizzas you want to make. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Pre-bake the rolled-out dough in a preheated oven at 475°F for 5-7 minutes. This step ensures a crispy crust. After pre-baking, add your favorite toppings, then return the pizzas to the oven to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Infused with a blend of Italian herbs for extra flavor.
  • Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
  • Flexible to accommodate your favorite toppings.
  • Perfectly crispy outside with a soft, chewy inside.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp Italian herb mix (dried basil, oregano, thyme)
1 tsp sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top and let it dissolve for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, salt, and Italian herb mix.
3. Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir gently.
4. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles and divide it into desired portions for pizzas.
8. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to the desired thickness.
9. Pre-bake the dough at 475°F for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings of choice.
10. Return to the oven to bake with toppings for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

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