In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir until the dough starts to come together. If it’s too sticky, gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Let the Dough Rise:
Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 2-3 equal portions, depending on how large you want your pizzas.
Roll each portion into a ball, cover them lightly, and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This will make them easier to stretch.
Stretch or roll out the dough into your desired shape and thickness, adding a little flour if needed to prevent sticking.
Assemble and Bake:
Preheat your oven to the highest setting, usually around 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C), and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Transfer the stretched dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal. Add your favorite toppings.
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Enjoy!:
Remove the pizza from the oven, slice it up, and enjoy your homemade creation.
