Thin crust pizza dough is a work of art. Pizza dough is marvelous because it requires very few ingredients. Bear in mind yeast dough can be temperamental due to climate and temperatures. Thin crust pizza dough is intended to offer a crispy, crunchy texture. Choose toppings that balance with this texture so the flavor of the crust is not obscured.
Thin Crust Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients in thin crust pizza dough are similar to those in most pizza dough. These include:
1 to 1 1/2 cups flour (bread or combination unbleached and semolina flour)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet yeast
1/2 cup very hot water
1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
Note: Check the date on all active dry yeast packets to ensure it is fresh.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar and yeast. Create a "well" in the center of the dry ingredients. Set aside.
In a small bowl, blend hot water and olive oil. Add to "well" in dry ingredients. Use a fork to blend flour into liquid ingredients until a soft dough forms. On a floured surface, knead the dough approximately two to three minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Allow it to rest for ten minutes. Place in a well-oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic film and clean tea towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for up to one hour. Remove dough from bowl and roll out to a thin consistency. Form two "fists" beneath the dough and stretch gently to desired size to fit a baking pan or pizza stone.
Thin Crust Pizza Toppings
Thin crust pizzas can be folded in half to create a large "Calzone" or they can be rolled after they are filled with topping. Top with prepared pizza sauce, browned, crumbled beef and shredded mozzarella. Other toppings include ricotta cheese blended with bits of smoked ham and topped with shredded Swiss or Fontina cheese. For vegans and vegetarians, a thin crust pizza topping can include artichoke hearts, sliced tomatoes, Swiss chard, spinach and radicchio, parboiled lightly, and drizzled with virgin olive oil before baking.
