Whether you like it thin and crispy, or thick and doughy, there are many excellent pizza dough recipes out there. Just remember, finding your favorite might take some trial and error. Find a recipe that works for you and your schedule—and remember that you can always make your pizza dough in the morning, letting it rise slowly during the day.  No time for homemade dough?  Look for ready-to-use dough at your grocery store, not those pre-baked crusts, but actual dough.  Some pizzerias will sell good raw dough, just ask.

Remember to sprinkle ample flour on your working space, so your dough won’t stick to the countertop. Then, make sure you have all your other tools and ingredients nearby, since things are about to get pretty messy.

Never use a rolling pin to stretch your dough. Instead, flatten the dough into a disk using the palm of your hand. Then, gently use your fingers to stretch it out. Use your fingertips to press the disk until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Use one hand to hold the dough in place, and your other hand to stretch the dough outward. Don’t forget to leave about an inch around the rim of the disk for your crust.

If you want to make your pizza a bit bigger, lightly use your fists to stretch out the dough even further. Remember to be gentle, so the dough doesn’t tear.

Adding too much sauce or too much cheese will make your crust soggy, since both contain a lot of moisture. Go lighter when adding your sauce and cheese. Top it all with salt, pepper and a splash of olive oil, since pizza dough can always use a bit of seasoning.

Cook your pizza on a pizza peel, screen or stone. If you want to keep it clean while still keeping the crust flat and even, try placing a piece of parchment paper on top of the pizza stone.

Now you can make pizzas like a pro. And if you’re looking for a great sauce, we recommend our Gourmet Pizza Sauce recipe, which is quick, easy to make and unforgettably delicious. Bon appetit!