How to Make Pizza Dough in a Stand Mixer with Expert Tips for Perfect Crust

ByHelen Stahl Updated

How to Make Pizza Dough in a Stand Mixer?

To make pizza dough in a stand mixer, start by combining yeast, warm water, and sugar in the mixer bowl.

Whisk the mixture together using a 6-Wire Whip Attachment and let it sit for a few minutes.

Then, add flour and salt to the mixing bowl.

Attach the beater blade to the stand mixer and mix the ingredients on low speed until fully combined.

Add a little olive oil and beat until combined.

Once the dough is combined, it needs to be kneaded, proofed, and punched to release air bubbles.

Proper kneading is indicated when small strings of dough appear when a small piece is pulled off.

To allow the dough to rest after kneading, you can start the proofing process in the refrigerator.

Key Points:

  • Combine yeast, warm water, and sugar in the mixer bowl
  • Whisk the mixture together using a 6-Wire Whip Attachment and let it sit
  • Add flour and salt to the mixing bowl
  • Attach the beater blade and mix the ingredients on low speed
  • Add olive oil and beat until combined
  • Knead, proof, and punch the dough to release air bubbles

Did You Know?

1. In 1948, the first stand mixer was introduced to the market by the Hobart Manufacturing Company. It was originally designed for commercial use in bakeries and pizzerias.

2. The average amount of pizza dough that can be made in a standard stand mixer is about 2 pounds, which is typically enough to make two small to medium-sized pizzas.

3. Pizza dough made in a stand mixer generally requires less kneading time compared to dough made by hand. This is because the mixer’s power and consistent motion help develop gluten more efficiently.

4. To help the pizza dough rise properly, it is important to place the dough hook attachment on the stand mixer rather than the regular mixing paddle. This allows for better incorporation of air into the dough.

5. Stand mixers can be used to make dough not only for pizza but also for various other baked goods, such as bread, bagels, and cinnamon rolls.

1. Combining Yeast, Warm Water, And Sugar

Creating the perfect pizza dough begins with the careful combination of yeast, warm water, and sugar. These are the essential ingredients that will activate the yeast to help the dough rise. To begin, pour the warm water into the stand mixer bowl, ensuring that it is at a temperature between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, add the yeast and sugar to the bowl.

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Using a reliable 6-Wire Whip Attachment, gently whisk the mixture together until the ingredients are well incorporated. This initial step allows the yeast to bloom and activate, as the sugar acts as a feeding source for the yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, giving the yeast enough time to activate and create those desired bubbles.

2. Adding Flour And Salt

Once the yeast, warm water, and sugar have had time to sit and activate, it is time to add the flour and salt. These two ingredients bring structure and flavor to the pizza dough. Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixing bowl, carefully measuring each ingredient to maintain the perfect balance.

It is recommended to use bread flour for its high protein content, ensuring a chewy and flavorful crust. The salt, on the other hand, enhances the overall taste of the dough. Gently incorporate the flour and salt into the mixture by using a spoon or spatula, making sure not to overmix.

  • Use bread flour for a chewy and flavorful crust
  • Salt enhances the overall taste of the dough

3. Mixing Ingredients In Stand Mixer

Now that all the necessary ingredients are in the stand mixer bowl, it is time to combine them into a cohesive dough. Attach the beater blade to the stand mixer and lower it into the bowl. Set the mixer to a low speed and allow it to run until the ingredients are fully combined.

The stand mixer ensures a consistent and even distribution of the ingredients. As the mixer does the work for you, it saves time and effort, leaving you with a perfectly mixed dough every time. Once the dough has reached a smooth and elastic consistency, you can proceed to the next step.

4. Adding Olive Oil And Beating

To enhance the pizza dough’s taste and texture, a tablespoon of olive oil should be added. Follow these steps:

  1. Measure out a tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Pour the olive oil into the dough mixture.
  3. Attach the beater blade to the stand mixer.
  4. Set the mixer to low speed.
  5. Allow the mixer to beat the dough until the olive oil is fully incorporated.
  6. Incorporating the olive oil will create a tender and supple crust texture, essential for a classic pizza experience.
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Remember to move on to the next step of the pizza-making process once the olive oil is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

  • Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough mixture
  • Mix at low speed until fully incorporated

“Incorporating a small amount of olive oil in the pizza dough adds richness and flavor, resulting in a tender and flavorful crust.”

5. Kneading, Proofing, And Punching The Dough

To develop the gluten and create elasticity within the dough, it must be properly kneaded. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and begin kneading it by hand. The process of kneading involves stretching, folding, and pressing the dough to develop its structure.

Proper kneading is indicated when small strings of dough appear when a small piece is pulled off. This is a sign that the gluten has developed and the dough is ready for its first proofing. Once the dough has been kneaded for around 8-10 minutes, shape it into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl.

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough proof in a warm location for about an hour. During this time, the yeast will continue to ferment, causing the dough to rise and develop flavor. After the proofing process, it is essential to punch the dough gently to release any air bubbles that may have formed.

6. Starting The Proofing Process In The Refrigerator

For an even better crust texture and a more developed flavor, it is recommended to start the proofing process in the refrigerator. After kneading and shaping the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

  • Refrigerating the dough allows it to rest and ferment slowly, resulting in a more flavorful crust.
  • Simply transfer the dough to the refrigerator and let it proof overnight or for at least 24 hours.
  • When you’re ready to use the dough, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before proceeding with your pizza-making process.

“Making pizza dough in a stand mixer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve a perfect crust.”

By carefully following the steps outlined above, you can create a delicious homemade pizza that will impress both family and friends. Don’t forget to experiment with various toppings and sauces to create your unique culinary masterpiece. Enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should pizza dough be mixed in a mixer?

To achieve the perfect consistency and texture, pizza dough should be mixed in a mixer for approximately eight minutes. This allows the dough to be thoroughly kneaded, resulting in a soft and elastic dough that will yield a delicious and airy crust. Starting with a low speed and gradually increasing it ensures that all the ingredients are well combined before the kneading process begins. Mixing for the recommended duration is crucial for the dough to develop its gluten structure, which contributes to the dough’s elasticity and helps it rise properly during baking.

Is it better to mix pizza dough by hand or in a mixer?

When it comes to mixing pizza dough, the method you choose largely depends on the equipment available. While hand mixers may not be powerful enough for this task, stand mixers with a dough hook attachment can be a convenient option. However, if you don’t have access to a stand mixer, kneading the dough by hand can still yield great results. Furthermore, exploring no knead pizza dough recipes can provide an alternative approach that simplifies the mixing process altogether.

What speed do you knead pizza dough stand mixer?

When using a stand mixer to knead pizza dough, it is crucial to maintain a consistent speed. The ideal speed for kneading yeast dough is Speed 2, neither higher nor lower. It is advised to avoid prolonging the kneading process to prevent the dough from climbing up the “c” shaped dough hook. By adhering to these guidelines, you can achieve the perfect texture and consistency for your pizza dough.

Is 2 hours enough for pizza dough?

When making pizza dough, it is important to allow enough time for the dough to rise before shaping and baking. While 2 hours may be sufficient for some yeast-based doughs, it is generally recommended to allow at least 1 1/2 hours of rise time. This allows the yeast to ferment and develop flavors, resulting in a more flavorful and airy crust. However, the exact rise time can vary depending on various factors such as the ambient temperature and the type of yeast used. So, while 2 hours may be enough in some cases, it is advisable to follow the recommended rise time for the best results.