master-cooks | The Tip Paul Hollywood Swears By When Baking Homemade Pizza Dough

Paul Hollywood, renowned for his expertise in baking, shares a valuable tip for perfecting homemade pizza dough. He emphasizes the importance of allowing the dough to develop flavor by extending the fermentation process. Instead of rushing the dough-making, Hollywood suggests letting the dough rest and rise slowly, ideally overnight, in a cool environment. This extended fermentation time allows the yeast to work its magic, enhancing the dough’s flavor and texture. Hollywood often recommends using less yeast than one might expect, as this contributes to a slower rise and richer taste. Additionally, he advises using a high-protein flour, which aids in forming a strong gluten structure, essential for achieving a dough that is both stretchy and chewy. Hydration is another key aspect; Hollywood suggests ensuring the dough is slightly sticky to the touch, as this indicates a good moisture content that will result in a softer crust. By following these steps, bakers can create a pizza dough that rivals those found in artisanal pizzerias, characterized by its depth of flavor and perfect consistency. Hollywood’s approach highlights the art of patience and meticulous attention to detail, transforming a simple pizza into a culinary delight.

Applying Paul Hollywood's pizza advice

Since high temperatures are essential for crafting the perfect pizza, Paul Hollywood recommends preheating the oven and placing a plate (either an oven-safe dish or a pizza stone) inside for at least an hour to an hour and a half at the maximum temperature. In the meantime, it’s time to get started. In a YouTube video, Hollywood generously sprinkles flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface (which, in his case, is a butcher block cutting board). This technique, as opposed to stretching, yields a thin, crispy base with a thick crust, ensuring an evenly cooked pizza. Hollywood begins at the center of the dough, rolling outward in all directions to create that signature round shape and a uniformly thin base for the sauce and toppings.

When baking pizza, aim for a golden brown color not just around the crust but also underneath — this hue signifies crispiness. If you’re using a pizza oven, this should take about three minutes, but you can achieve that ideal texture in a conventional oven by adding an extra four to five minutes. If you have a digital cooking thermometer, like the one from ThermoPro, look for an internal temperature of at least 190 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, the only remaining advice is to enjoy. By starting with a thin base and baking at high heat, you can create a pizza that will impress any crowd and make Paul Hollywood proud.

The Tip Paul Hollywood Swears By When Baking Homemade Pizza Dough

Applying Paul Hollywood's pizza advice

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