Here at Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we know that great pizza begins with great dough. After more than thirty years refining our method, we're eager to pass along some of our insights. While we won't disclose the exact formula (certain traditions stay sacred), these guidelines will help you craft restaurant-grade pizza dough in your own kitchen.
Flour: The Foundation
The base for excellent pizza dough is high-quality flour. We recommend using 00 flour, a finely ground Italian flour with moderate protein content (around 12%). This creates the ideal balance of strength and tenderness. If you can't find 00 flour, bread flour is a good substitute, though the texture will be somewhat different.
Water Temperature and Hydration
The temperature of your water influences fermentation time and dough development. For slow fermentation (which develops richer flavor), use cold water around 45°F (7°C). For quicker fermentation, use lukewarm water around 85°F (29°C). The hydration level (the ratio of water to flour) should be between 60-70% for most home ovens.
Less Yeast, More Time
One of the biggest secrets to flavorful dough is using less yeast and allowing more time for fermentation. We use just 0.2% fresh yeast relative to our flour weight for doughs that ferment for 24-48 hours. This slow process allows complex flavors to develop while creating a dough that's easier to digest.
Salt: Strengthening Gluten and Controlling Fermentation
Salt does more than season your dough—it strengthens the gluten structure and controls fermentation. We recommend using fine sea salt at 2.5-3% of your flour weight. Add it after your flour and water have started to combine to prevent it from directly contacting the yeast.
The Art of Fermentation
After mixing, allow your dough to bulk ferment at room temperature for 2 hours, then divide it into individual dough balls. Place these in containers with lids and refrigerate for 24-72 hours. This cold fermentation is where the magic happens—enzymes break down starches into sugars, creating both flavor and the beautiful browning you see in our crusts.
Handling with Care
When it's time to make pizza, remove your dough from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before baking to allow it to warm up. Handle the dough gently to preserve the gas bubbles that have developed. Use your fingertips to press and stretch the dough, rather than rolling it, which compresses those precious air pockets.
The Final Touch: Heat
While our wood-fired ovens reach temperatures of 850°F (454°C), most home ovens max out around 550°F (288°C). To compensate, use a pizza stone or steel that's been preheated for at least an hour. This provides the intense bottom heat needed to achieve a crisp exterior and airy interior.
Mastering pizza dough is a journey, not a destination. Each batch teaches you something new about the process. We encourage you to take notes, adjust variables, and discover what works best in your unique kitchen environment.
If you'd like to see our dough-making process in person, join us for one of our monthly pizza workshops where Chef Elena demonstrates these techniques in detail. Check our events calendar for upcoming dates!