Big Boy Pizzas

Ingredients

BASIC PIZZA DOUGH:
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110?F on an instant-read thermometer)
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed for kneading
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
MARGHERITA PIZZA:
1/2 cup Best Basic Red Sauce or
store-bought pizza sauce
4 ounces grated mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup minced fresh, cleaned basil (optional)
THREE CHEESE PIZZA:
1/2 cup Best Basic Red Sauce or
store-bought pizza sauce
2 ounces grated mozzarella cheese (about 1/2 cup)
2 ounces grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 1/2 cup)
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

Place the yeast in a large mixing bowl. Add the water and stir with a long-handled wooden spoon until the yeast is dissolved. After a few minutes you should see bubbles appear on the surface of the yeast mixtureóthis will let you know that the yeast is working. Add the flour, 1 tablespoon of the oil, and the salt, and stir well to combine. Continue stirring until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl and comes together.
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Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead until it forms a smooth, elastic ball, about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Grease a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of the remaining oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat with the oil. Cover with a damp dish towel or plastic wrap. Place in a warm, draft-free place and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
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Place the oven rack in the lowest position in the oven and preheat the oven to 500?F.
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Lightly grease the baking sheets with 1 teaspoon each of the remaining oil. Set aside.
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Divide the dough into 2 portions and shape into 2 smooth balls. Pat 1 dough ball down into a flat round, about 6 inches in diameter, on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the second ball of dough and let both rest for 10 minutes.
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With your fingertips, push out each dough round into a thin 12-inch round, or roll with a rolling pin.
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Yield: Two 12-inch pizzas
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MARGHERITA PIZZA:
Spoon the Best Basic Red Sauce or pizza sauce onto the dough round, and spread it to within 1 inch of the edge with the back of the spoon. Sprinkle the basil (if using) and cheese evenly on top.
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Bake on the lowest rack of the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
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Using oven mitts or pot holders, remove the sheet from the oven.
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Cut the pizza into slices with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
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THREE CHEESE PIZZA:
Spoon the Best Basic Red Sauce or pizza sauce onto the dough round and spread it to within 1 inch of the edge with the back of the spoon.
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Sprinkle the cheeses evenly over the top.
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Follow steps 2, 3, and 4 as for Margherita Pizza.
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OPTIONAL PIZZA ACCOMPANIMENTS:
Sliced pepperoni
Cooked sausage
Sliced mushrooms
Sliced or chopped onions
Sliced or chopped bell peppers
Different kinds of cheese