This flavourful focaccia pizza base is the perfect foundation for all your favourite toppings! Whether you knead it by hand or use a bread maker, it’s simple to make and absolutely delicious.
I love using my bread maker to make this pizza base, it takes out the manual work and makes the process even easier! If you have one, you can skip straight to the Bread Maker Method below. Otherwise, follow the simple steps to make it by hand.
Pizza Base
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 7 g dried fast-acting yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 450 g strong organic bread flour plus extra for dusting
- 50 g coarse semolina optional for the base
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- 275 ml lukewarm water
Notes
1. Activate the yeast:
Pour 275ml of lukewarm water into a jug, add the yeast and sugar, and give it a gentle stir (no need to fully mix it through). Let it sit for 10 minutes, until it begins to foam and bubble on top.
2. Prepare the flour:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
3. Mix and knead the dough:
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, add 2 tbsp of olive oil, and mix with your hands until it forms a rough dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. (If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, wet your hands slightly as you knead.)
4. First rise:
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave it somewhere warm until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
5. Shape and prove:
Lightly oil a baking tray (20cm x 30cm) and sprinkle the base with coarse semolina to prevent sticking and add extra crispness. Turn the dough out onto the tray and gently press and stretch it into a rough rectangle, using a rolling pin if needed. Cover and let it prove again for 40 minutes, until visibly risen.
6. Preheat the oven:
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 220°C / Gas 7.
7. Assemble the pizza:
Drizzle the risen dough with olive oil, spread over passata, and season with a pinch of salt. Add your favourite toppings mozzarella, vegetables, meats, or a drizzle of chilli oil for extra heat. Then finish it off with a final drizzle of olive oil.
8. Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp on the edges. Slice and enjoy!
Bread Maker Method
For an even easier process, once the yeast is activated, add all ingredients to a bread maker (I use a Panasonic) and set it to the pizza cycle. It will knead and rise the dough for you! Then, simply shape, prove, top, and bake as above.
