Do you need flour on pizza dough for baking?

Benefits of flouring pizza dough:

* Prevents sticking: Flour acts as a barrier between the dough and the baking surface, preventing it from sticking. This makes it easier to slide the pizza onto the baking stone or pan.

* Enhances browning: Flour helps to create a crispy crust by absorbing excess moisture from the dough, which allows the bottom to brown evenly.

* Improved texture: A light dusting of flour can help to prevent the dough from becoming too dense or chewy.

When you might not need to flour:

* Using parchment paper: If you're baking your pizza on a piece of parchment paper, you may not need to flour the dough as much.

* Baking on a silicone mat: Silicone mats are designed to prevent sticking, so you may not need to flour at all.

* High-hydration dough: Some high-hydration doughs are naturally less sticky and may not require flouring.

Best practice:

* Lightly dust the dough: Don't overdo it, just a light dusting is enough.

* Flour the baking surface: If you are not using parchment paper or a silicone mat, flour your baking stone or pan.

In summary: While not strictly necessary, flouring your pizza dough will generally improve the outcome of your pizza. It will make it easier to handle, prevent sticking, and contribute to a crispier, more flavorful crust.