1-First Step: Gather and Mix the Ingredients Start by preheating your oven as high as possible for at least 45 minutes with a pizza stone inside to mimic a wood fired oven’s intense heat. In a large bowl, combine 5 cups of all-purpose or 00 flour, 1.5 tsp of sea salt, and 1.5 tsp of instant dry yeast this sets the foundation for your wood fired pizza dough. Add 2.25 cups of cold water and 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, then mix on low speed with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth but sticky; if you’re doing it by hand, stir with a spoon and knead on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes to build that elasticity.

2-Second Step: Shape and Let the Dough Rise Once mixed, remove the dough from the bowl and cut it into 6 equal pieces, forming each into a round ball. Place these dough balls on an oiled cookie sheet, drizzle them with a bit more extra virgin olive oil, cover them loosely, and let them rise in a draft-free area for 2 hours this resting period is crucial for developing the flavor and texture in your wood fired pizza dough. For a tip on similar prep techniques, check out our garlic cheese pizza recipe for inspiration on handling dough variations.

3-Third Step: Stretch the Dough After rising, sprinkle your counter with flour and take one dough ball, pressing it into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Gently stretch it out until it’s about 10 inches in diameter, taking care not to tear it for that perfect thin crust. If you’re adapting for dietary preferences, like using gluten-free flour, handle it a bit more carefully to avoid sticking.

4-Fourth Step: Add Toppings and Bake Dust a pizza peel with semolina flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking, then place your stretched dough on it. Add your sauce, mozzarella, and favorite toppings remember to keep it light to avoid a soggy crust on your wood fired pizza dough. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone and bake for 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown, adjusting time if your oven varies.

5-Final Step: Finish and Serve Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and add fresh basil and any extra cheese for a burst of flavor. Let it rest for a minute or two before slicing to keep that crispy edge intact. This wood fired pizza dough pairs wonderfully with family meals, and for more ideas on complementary dishes, try our chicken stir-fry recipe as a side for a full meal!