Rustic Herb-Infused Pizza Dough

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're in the mood for a pizza night with a twist, look no further than this Rustic Herb-Infused Pizza Dough. Infused with aromatic herbs, this dough transforms your typical pizza into something a bit more special and memorable.

Ingredients for Rustic Herb-Infused Pizza Dough

Flour is the backbone of our dough, providing structure. We use all-purpose flour for a balance of gluten and texture. Salt enhances all the other flavors, while a touch of sugar helps activate the yeast. Speaking of yeast, our trusty packet of active dry yeast is what makes the dough rise and gives it that airy texture we love. The warm water is crucial – too cold and the yeast won't activate; too hot and you'll kill the yeast. Olive oil brings richness and moisture. Lastly, our herbs – oregano, basil, and garlic powder – are what make this dough uniquely delicious, infusing it with a savory aroma.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour a tablespoon at a time.
  • To speed up rising, place the bowl in an oven with just the light on.
  • For a crispy crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing your dough on it.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This herb-infused pizza dough is a great base for a classic Margherita with fresh mozzarella and basil. Or, go bold with a spicy sausage and roasted red pepper topping. Pair with a simple arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze it after the first rise. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
Check your yeast's expiration date and ensure your water wasn't too hot or cold.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Absolutely! Just double the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Rustic Herb-Infused Pizza Dough Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in your flour, salt, and sugar. Give them a quick mix to combine. In a separate small bowl, you'll want to dissolve your yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes – you're looking for a foamy top to know it's alive and kicking.

Once your yeast is ready, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir it all together until you see a dough forming. Now comes the fun part – kneading. Dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. You'll get a real feel for the dough here; it should feel bouncy and not sticky.

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot. Depending on the warmth of your kitchen, this should take about 1–2 hours. The dough should double in size, so be patient. Once risen, punch it down gently – this releases some of the gas. Now, knead in the oregano, basil, and garlic powder until well distributed.

Divide your dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza peel or baking sheet, and you're ready for toppings and baking!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Infused with aromatic herbs, adding depth to every bite.
  • Simple ingredients, likely already in your pantry.
  • Flexible – perfect for a variety of toppings.
  • Easy to make even if you're a beginner in the kitchen.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and knead in oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
7. Divide the dough into two pieces, roll out on a floured surface to desired thickness, and transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet for topping and baking.

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