Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

 Today is Quinn's 4th birthday and her favorite dinner is pizza, so we're having this for dinner tonight. I love this crust, because it's so easy, tasty, and healthy.

1 1/2 C lukewarm (105-115 F) water
1 tsp sugar
1 T active dry yeast
1 T olive oil (I've used extra virgin olive oil and regular, and they've both turned out great)
4 C whole white wheat flour (the white is important, the red is heavier)
1 1/2 tsp salt

Dissolve sugar into water. Add yeast. Allow to sit approximately 5 minutes (until foamy).

 

 *Tip: When measuring your flour, use a spoon to add the flour to the measuring cup. Fill to overflowing.

Use the straight edge of a knife to wipe the excess flour off the top of the measuring cup.

Combine flour and salt together. If you have a stand mixer with a kneading attachment, use it (speed 2 for a kitchen aid).

 Stir oil into yeast mixture..

While the mixer is running, add the yeast mixture and allow to mix/knead until thoroughly combined.

It should look something like this.

Transfer dough to a large bowl coated with non-stick cooking spray. Cover with a piece of cling-wrap sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and allow to rise in a warm draft free location for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Gently squeeze to deflate.

To use:
Lightly dust clean work surface with cornmeal. Tear off piece dough and roll out to desired size and thickness. Place on a pan to top and bake.
Bake on bottom rack of the oven at 450 F  for 7-10 minutes depending on your toppings.

For a thicker and/or crispier crust:
Pre-bake  the crust for about 5 minutes before topping. Depending on your pan, you may want to flip the crust over after baking and before topping.
Top as desired and bake an addition 5- 10 minutes depending on toppings.

Freeze it:
If you want to freeze your pizza, bake the crust by itself at 350 F for about 8 minutes. Allow crust to cool, top as desired, flash freeze, wrap up, and place back in freezer until ready to use (proceed with normal baking instructions).

To make breadsticks:
Divide dough into 16 equal portions and shape into sticks. Spread melted butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese over each stick. Allow to rise slightly while oven preheats to 450. Bake 6-10 minutes depending on thickness of breadsticks.
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What's your favorite pizza topping?