Homemade Pizza Crust Recipe

Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Dough for Baking: Preheat the oven to 475°F. Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape.

Add Toppings and Bake: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Add your favorite toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and browned.

Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.