On a large parchment paper, measure out the flour. Separately, in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, sugar and yeast. Add in the olive oil and salt. Using a dough hook on low speed, mix these ingredients together.
Lift the parchment paper and use it as a funnel to slide the flour in the mixing bowl slowly. Mix until the dough is formed and well combined (about two minutes). The dough should be sticky. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it proof in a warm environment for one hour (90 degrees F at 90% humidity is ideal). I like to put mine in the oven along with a pot of steaming hot water.
The dough should double in size. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. This recipe should make four one pound pizza pies. You can use a scale to measure the dough out or visually divide the dough into four.
Dip each dough in a little bit of flour and shape it by using both hands to roll the dough in a circular motion. The friction between the surface and the rolling motion will shape the dough into a smooth ball. Allow them to rest for about 20 minutes before stretching out the doughs.
When you are ready to stretch out the dough, give it a quick dip in flour again. Place the palm of your hand over the dough and press down from the middle to the side. Continue to do this until you've reached one even circular layer. Then, gently lift the layer and put your knuckles underneath it, rotate the layer and allow gravity to stretch itself even more until you've reached the desired pizza shape. It should be a thin consistent layer with the edges being slightly thicker. Plop it down onto a piece of parchment paper. You are now ready to assemble your pizza!
Once you've added your desired toppings, place the pie into an oven with a pizza stone preheated to 500°F. Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly charred. Check out our video below for 4 different pizza topping combination ideas! Enjoy!