Thin n’ Crispy Pizza Crust

Let’s face it. There are two types of people in this world – those that love a thick chewy pizza crust, and those that love a thin and crispy pizza crust. I happen to fall into the latter category and until recently I have been unable to unearth a homemade pizza dough recipe that was the thin crispiness that I yearn for. I finally found it in a holiday edition of Cooking Light and this is definitely my favorite pizza dough recipe to date. The dough comes together easily (no electrics required!) and rolls out better than any pizza dough I have attempted before. If you’re looking for more of a thick and chewy pizza crust recipe, check out this post, which is also where you can find my recipe for pizza sauce, which I think I have finally perfected.

(Adapted from Cooking Light December 2007)

1 package active dry yeast (2-1/4 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees)
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons yellow cornmeal

Directions:
Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Stir 1-1/4 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt into yeast mixture to form a soft dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands.

Place dough in a large bowl coated with coil, turning dough to coat. Cover; let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)

Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Roll dough into a 14-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Place dough on a pizza pan or baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Crimp edges of dough with fingers to form a rim.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Drizzle dough with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Place pan on lowest oven rack; bake at 450 for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven; top with desired toppings and bake an additional 10 minutes or until crust and cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.