Pizza Dough

INGREDIENTS:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/3 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions (this recipe makes two 12-inch pizzas). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a 12-inch circle (or your desired pizza shape and thickness).
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or lightly greased baking sheet (if not using a pizza stone). Add your desired toppings.
Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.