1-First Step: Preheat Your Oven Turn your oven to its highest setting and place a pizza stone inside for at least 45 minutes. This step mimics a wood-fired oven, ensuring your traditional Italian pizza dough gets that crispy base we all love.

2-Second Step: Mix the Dough Using a Mixer In a mixer bowl, combine 5 cups all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons sea salt, and 1.5 teaspoons instant dry yeast on low speed. Slowly add 2.25 cups cold water and mix until it forms a shaggy dough, then switch to a dough hook and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s dry, sprinkle in a little water to adjust for different dietary needs like gluten-free options.

3-Third Step: Knead by Hand if Preferred Pour 5 cups flour into a large bowl, then add 1.5 teaspoons yeast, 1.5 teaspoons sea salt, and 2.25 cups cold water. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined, then turn the mixture onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until you get a smooth ball. This method works great for those wanting a more hands-on approach with their wood fired pizza dough.

4-Fourth Step: Divide and Rise the Dough Once kneaded, divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rise for 2 hours at room temperature in a draft-free spot, allowing the flavors to develop for this authentic Neapolitan pizza dough.

5-Fifth Step: Stretch the Dough Sprinkle your work surface with flour, take one dough ball, and gently press it into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Use your fists and knuckles to stretch it to about 10 inches in diameter, being careful not to tear it for that perfect rustic pizza dough texture.

6-Sixth Step: Add Toppings and Bake Dust a pizza peel with semolina flour or corn meal, then place the stretched dough on it. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of sauce in the center, leaving a 1-inch border, and add toppings like smoked mozzarella cheese, heirloom tomatoes, or sauteed mushrooms. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and bubbly. For variations, you can adapt toppings for dietary preferences, such as using low-calorie options.

7-Final Step: Finish and Serve Pull the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and optionally add freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, then enjoy your wood fired oven pizza dough recipe with family and friends. This whole process, from prep to plate, takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes total.