Hand Tossed Pizza Dough/Cheesy Breadsticks

By kelseyll

Check out photo steps here: http://bakingdom.com/2010/02/hand-tossed-pizza.html

Ingredients

• FOR THE DOUGH:
• Hand Tossed Pizza
• Ingredients
• 20 ounces (4 cups) bread flour (all purpose will work too)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (one envelope) yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 3/4 cups warm (about 100 degrees) water
• Pinch of herbs (optional)
• FOR THE SAUCE:
• 2 cups tomato sauce (or one can)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings

Details

Adapted from bakingdom.com

Preparation

Step 1

To start the dough: Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl or the bowl of a standing mixer with the dough hook attached. Combine the ingredients until a dough forms. If mixing by hand, turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a mixer, continue kneading on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough on a large bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 30 minutes to an hour, or until doubled.

To make the sauce: Combine all of the ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cover. Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, for an hour or so. Leave in the pan to cool until ready to use.

Once the dough is doubled, turn it onto a flour surface and lightly punch down. Divide into 3 equal pieces of about 12 ounces each. Shape each piece into a smooth boule (ball). Place on a dry towel or piece of parchment, cover with another dry towel and allow to rise for an hour.

If using a pizza stone, preheat the oven to 550 degrees. If not, preheat the oven once you begin shaping the pizzas.

When the boules have just about doubled in size, shape the pizza. Alternately use your fingertips and the heel of your hand to flatten the pizza, turning it as you go to keep a round shape, until you have the desired size and thickness.

Place shaped pizza on parchment . Drizzle olive oil around the edge and smear with fingertips. Spoon on 3 to 4 tablespoons sauce and spread with the back of a spoon.

Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons mozzarella on top. Add desired toppings and cover with more mozzarella.

Using a cookie sheet or pizza peel, transfer the parchment and pizza to the oven. Bake for one minute, then use a cookie sheet or peel to lift the edge of the pizza and remove the parchment. Continue baking for 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove the pizza with a cookie sheet or pizza peel and transfer to a cooling rack. Sprinkle with parmesan. Allow to cool for 5 to 7 minutes, slice, and serve!

Enjoy!