Have you ever wondered how to make the perfect pizza dough at home? Look no further because we have the answer for you. Roberta’s, a renowned pizzeria in Brooklyn, New York, has shared their famous pizza dough recipe with the world. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Roberta’s pizza dough from scratch, step by step. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and become a pizza-making pro!
The secret to Roberta’s pizza dough lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and the right technique, you can achieve that perfect chewy and crispy crust that we all crave. So let’s dive into the details and learn how to make the best pizza dough you’ve ever tasted.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make Roberta’s pizza dough, you will need the following ingredients:
– 500 grams (3 3/4 cups) bread flour
– 1 gram (1/4 teaspoon) active dry yeast
– 350 milliliters (1 1/2 cups) lukewarm water
– 10 grams (2 teaspoons) fine sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and yeast. Slowly pour in the lukewarm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands. Continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Kneading
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the dough. Now comes the fun part – kneading! Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you and fold it back over itself. Repeat this motion for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Rising
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a clean, lightly-oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 18-24 hours. This slow fermentation process will develop flavor and texture in the dough.
Step 4: Portioning
After the dough has doubled in size, transfer it onto a floured surface and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the balls with a damp cloth and let them rest for another 2-3 hours.
Step 5: Stretching
Preheat your oven to its highest temperature. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. Take one dough ball and gently stretch it into a round shape, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Be careful not to tear the dough. If needed, you can use a rolling pin to help with the stretching process.
Step 6: Topping and Baking
Now comes the fun part – topping your pizza! Spread your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings over the stretched dough. Transfer the pizza onto a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
And voila! You now have a delicious homemade pizza made with Roberta’s pizza dough. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: While bread flour is preferred for its higher protein content, you can still use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that the texture of the crust may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Absolutely! Once you have portioned the dough into balls, you can wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day or two in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator. This will result in an even more flavorful dough. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before stretching and baking.
Final Thoughts
Making your own pizza dough can be a rewarding and fun experience. With Roberta’s pizza dough recipe, you can recreate the magic of a delicious Neapolitan-style pizza right in your own kitchen. Remember to experiment with different toppings and techniques to create your own signature pizza. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade pizza that will rival any pizzeria in town. Happy pizza-making!
