
Pizza Dough Recipe
Master the art of authentic pizza dough for your Ooni oven with this foolproof recipe. The perfect balance of crispy exterior and chewy interior, this dough develops complex flavor through slow fermentation. Learn how to make restaurant-quality pizza base at home with minimal ingredients.
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What's the key to making perfect Neapolitan-style pizza dough at home?
The key to perfect Neapolitan-style pizza dough lies in using high-protein bread flour, proper kneading technique, and allowing adequate rise time. The dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading, with a 1-2 hour initial rise followed by a secondary proof of at least 30 minutes.
How long should pizza dough rest before stretching and baking?
Pizza dough benefits from at least 30 minutes of rest after being shaped into balls. For enhanced flavour development, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, which allows for slow fermentation. Always bring refrigerated dough to room temperature before stretching and baking.
Can I freeze homemade pizza dough for later use?
Yes, homemade pizza dough freezes exceptionally well. After the first rise, portion and shape the dough into balls, wrap each tightly in cling film, and place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature and using.
Why is my pizza dough too sticky to work with?
Sticky dough typically indicates too much hydration or insufficient kneading. Continue kneading on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes - the dough will become less sticky as gluten develops. Avoid adding too much extra flour, as this can make your crust tough rather than light and airy.
What temperature should a pizza oven reach for authentic crispy-based pizzas?
For authentic crispy-based pizzas with a puffy, charred crust, your oven should reach 400-500°C (750-950°F). Home conventional ovens typically max out at 250°C, which is why dedicated pizza ovens like Ooni produce superior results with their extreme heat, cooking pizzas in just 60-90 seconds.

