Easy-Stretch Yogurt Pizza Dough
- MakesMakes enough dough for 4 10 to 12 inch pizzas
- Cook Time2¾ hours
- Active time plus cooling30 minutes active
- 5
Is it heretical to use yogurt in pizza dough? Traditionalists would say yes. But there’s no arguing that the yogurt in this high-hydration formula yields a dough that is easy to shape into rounds because it does not recoil when stretched. It also adds flavor. The tradeoff is that the crust will not blister and crisp to the same degree as classic pizza dough, which does not contain dairy. The recipe makes enough dough for four 10 to 12 inch pies; after a 30 minute rise, extra dough portions can be refrigerated for a day, but allow them to stand at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before shaping and baking. You will need a peel for moving the pies in and out of the oven, along with a baking stone or steel that should be heated for an hour before baking.
Don’t be shy about flouring the counter as you portion and shape the dough. This dough is wet, but as long as it and the work surface are floured, it’s very workable.
Step 1
In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or small bowl, stir together 1½ cups water, the yogurt and oil. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Mix with the dough hook on low until combined, about 30 seconds. With the mixer running on low, stream in the wet ingredients; continue mixing until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass that clears the sides of the bowl, 1 to 2 minutes. Touch the dough; it should be wet enough to stick to your fingers. If it is not, mix in up to 2 tablespoons additional water.
Step 2
Knead on medium until the dough is smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Gather the dough into a ball in the center of the bowl. Cover and let rise at room temperature until doubled, 1 to 1½ hours.
Step 3
Generously flour the counter and a rimmed baking sheet. Using floured hands and a plastic bowl scraper, scrape the dough onto the counter. Dust with flour, then use a floured metal bench scraper or chef’s knife to divide the dough into 4 portions.
Step 4
On an unfloured area of the counter, form each portion into a taut ball by cupping your hands around the base of the dough, slightly cradling it. Rotate and drag the dough along the counter, allowing the base to catch on the surface to create tension that pulls the dough into a tighter round. Repeat a few more times, until the dough forms a relatively uniform ball. Place the dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing the portions evenly. Dust the balls with flour, then cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise at room temperature until increased by about 50 percent in bulk, about 30 minutes. The dough now is ready to shape and bake.
