14 Inch Pizza Dough Weight Medium Crust Recipe

A homemade pizza is always a delight, and when you have the perfect 14 inch pizza dough weight medium crust recipe, you're set to create a delicious dish that everyone will love. In this guide, we'll cover the ingredients, processes, and tips to craft your own mouth-watering 14 inch pizza dough with a medium crust. Let's dive into making the perfect pizza base from scratch!

Ingredients for Medium Crust Pizza Dough

To achieve a medium crust pizza dough with the right weight and texture for a 14 inch pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

3 cups of all-purpose or bread flour (approximately 360g)
1 cup of warm water (between 105°F and 115°F or 40°C - 45°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of salt
Extra flour for dusting

Steps to Make 14 Inch Pizza Dough with Medium Crust

Following these steps will ensure your dough is perfect for a medium crust 14 inch pizza:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Move the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a little more water.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shaping the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then move it to a floured surface. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes. After resting, begin to shape the dough into a 14 inch circle. You can use a rolling pin or stretch it by hand.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Dough

Here are some tips to ensure your pizza dough turns out perfectly:

Measure Ingredient Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the flour and water.
Water Temperature: Ensure the water is not too hot as it can kill the yeast, and not too cold as it can slow the activation process.
Allow Proper Rising Time: Patience is key. Allow the dough to rise properly to develop flavor and texture.
Don’t Overload with Toppings: For a medium crust, keep the toppings moderate to avoid a soggy base.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking to ensure a crispy crust.

Baking the Pizza

Once your dough is ready and shaped, you can begin to add your favorite toppings. Here’s a basic guide to baking your pizza:

Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, place your shaped dough on a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add your desired toppings.

Step 8: Bake the Pizza

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your homemade 14 inch pizza with medium crust!

FAQ

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Q: What if my dough is too sticky?

A: If the dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add more flour, a little at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. If using instant yeast, there’s no need to activate it in water; simply mix it with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.

Q: How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?

A: The dough should roughly double in size. If you press the dough with a fingertip and the indentation remains or slowly fills back, it’s ready to use.

Q: Can I freeze the pizza dough?

A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using it.