How do you make pizza crust?

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F)

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

5. Punch Down the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough by gently pressing it down with your fists to release the air.

6. Shape the Crust: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Divide the dough into two or more equal parts, depending on the size of your pizza pans. Roll out each part into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle.

7. Transfer to Pan: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a lightly greased pizza pan or baking sheet.

8. Second Rise: Cover the dough again with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 15-20 minutes.

9. Add Toppings: After the second rise, add your desired pizza toppings.

10. Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Slice and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

This basic pizza crust recipe can be customized with different flours, herbs, and seasonings. You can also make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.