Basic Pizza Dough

Directions

1. 1
   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or in a large bowl if mixing and kneading by hand), combine 2 cups of the flour, yeast, salt, herbs, and garlic.
2. 2
   Heat the water and olive oil in a small saucepan until steaming.
3. 3
   Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, or until temperature is between 120-130 degrees F. Slowly add the water and oil to the dry ingredients, while mixing on low speed. Use a spatula to scrape down the bowl as needed.
4. 4
   With the mixer on medium low, add the remaining flour a 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until incorporated between each addition. Continue adding flour until the dough clears the bowl and is sticky to the touch without coming off in your hands. Knead with a dough hook or by hand until smooth and elastic.
5. 5
   Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Put in a warm place and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. 6
   Gently push down on the center of the dough to release the gases and knead by hand on a clean surface a few times.
7. 7
   Let dough sit for a few minutes, then divide in half and roll each out and shape into a rough 10 inch circle.
8. 8
   Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
9. 9
   Top dough with desired toppings and bake until crust is golden, about 10 minutes.
10. 10
    Serve immediately.