Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for making your pizza dough balls:
- 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 ½ cups of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Next, create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Slowly pour in the warm water and olive oil. Using a fork or your hands, gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients until they come together to form a sticky dough.
Knead the Dough
Dust a clean surface with flour and transfer the dough onto it. Begin kneading the dough by pushing it away from you with the heels of your hands, then folding it back onto itself. Repeat this motion for about 10-15 minutes or until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
If the dough becomes too sticky during the kneading process, simply sprinkle more flour to prevent it from sticking to your hands or the surface.
Let the Dough Rise
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Divide and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into smaller portions, depending on the size of the pizza dough balls you desire.
To shape each portion into a ball, pull the edges of the dough towards the center and pinch them together. Flip the dough over and continue gently shaping it into a round ball by pulling and tucking the edges under until a smooth surface forms.
Allow Final Proofing
Place the shaped pizza dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each ball to allow for expansion during the final proofing. Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough balls rest for an additional 30-45 minutes.
Bake or Store for Later
Preheat your oven to the desired temperature for baking your pizzas. If you plan to use the dough balls immediately, place them directly onto a pizza stone or baking sheet and add your favorite toppings. Bake until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
If you prefer to store the dough balls for later use, place them in an airtight container or individual freezer bags and freeze until needed. When ready to use, simply thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight and let them come to room temperature before baking.
Now that you have mastered the art of making pizza dough balls, enjoy the satisfaction of creating delicious homemade pizzas whenever you desire. Experiment with various toppings and flavors to truly customize your culinary creations. With this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a pizza-making pro!