14-Inch Pizza Crust

14-Inch Pizza Crust

Ingredients:

  • 300 g bread flour (or all-purpose flour for a slightly softer crust)
  • 200 g warm water (around 40–43°C)
  • 5 g sugar  
  • 5–6 g acceptable sea salt
  • 12 g olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
  • 4 g Active dry yeast
  • optional 1 tsp diastatic malt in place of sugar

Instructions:

1. Bloom yeast (if using active dry):

Mix 200 grams of warm water with 5 grams of sugar and 4 grams of active dry yeast. Let it foam for 5–10 minutes.

(Skip this step if using 3g instant yeast — simply mix it directly into the flour.)

2. Mix the dough:

Combine 300g of flour and 6g of salt in a large bowl. Add the water-yeast mixture and 12 g of olive oil. Stir until combined. Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Cold ferment:

Shape into a ball, lightly oil it, and place it in a covered bowl or container. Refrigerate for 24 hours or up to 72 hours for optimal flavor and texture.

(For same-day: proof at room temp for ~2 hours until doubled in size.)

4. Room temp rest:

Remove dough from the fridge for at least 1 hour before shaping to warm up and relax the gluten.

5. Oven setup:

Preheat the oven to 260°C (500°F) or as hot as possible. If using a pizza stone or steel, preheat it for at least 45 minutes.

6. Stretch the dough:

On a floured surface, gently stretch (or roll) the dough into a 14-inch (35 cm) circle. Transfer to a floured peel or parchment.

7. Add toppings:

Top with your favorite sauce and cheese — don’t overload — NY-style pizza is all about balance and that foldable slice.

8. Bake:

Bake for 7–10 minutes, until the crust is blistered and golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

9. Cool & slice:

Let the pizza rest for 1 minute before slicing to keep the toppings in place.

1. Sugar (for browning & subtle sweetness)

  • Already included: 5 g
  • ✅ Helps with browning and fermentation.

2. Salt (for flavor depth)

  • Already included: 6 g
  • ✅ Do not reduce — it’s essential for flavor and gluten control.

3. Garlic Powder (savory boost)

  • 1.5–2 g (about ½ tsp)
  • 🔸 Adds depth without overwhelming the sauce and cheese.

4. Onion Powder (sweet-savory roundness)

  • 1–1.5 g (about ¼–½ tsp)
  • 🔸 Pairs subtly with garlic and gives warmth.

5. Dried Oregano (earthy, pizzeria classic)

  • 1 g (about ½ tsp, crushed slightly between fingers)
  • 🔸 Optional, but adds that nostalgic New York pizzeria aroma.

6. Black Pepper (light bite)

  • 0.5 g (about ⅛ tsp, finely ground)
  • 🔸 Use sparingly — you want it in the background.

7. Parmesan Powder (umami bomb, optional)

  • 5 g (about 1 tbsp)
  • 🔸 Provides a subtle, cheesy umami base — ideal if you opt for lighter toppings.

By Kyle J. Hayes
kylehayesblog.com
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