At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we believe that outstanding pizza begins with outstanding dough. After more than thirty years of refining our method, we’re thrilled to share a few of our approaches with you. While we can’t disclose our exact recipe (some traditions must stay sacred!), these guidelines will help you craft restaurant-grade dough at home.
The Flour Matters
The base of excellent pizza dough is premium flour. We recommend using 00 flour, a finely milled Italian flour with moderate protein content (around 12%). This yields the right mix of strength and tenderness. If 00 flour isn’t available, bread flour serves as a solid substitute, though the texture will differ slightly.
Water Temperature and Hydration
The temperature of your water influences fermentation time and dough development. For slow fermentation (which enhances flavor), use cold water around 45°F (7°C). For faster fermentation, use lukewarm water around 85°F (29°C). The hydration level (the water-to-flour ratio) should be about 60-70% for most home ovens.
Minimal Yeast, Maximum Time
One of the key tricks for flavorful dough is using less yeast and giving fermentation more time. We use only 0.2% fresh yeast relative to our flour weight for doughs that ferment for 24-48 hours. This gradual process develops complex flavors while yielding a dough that’s easier to digest.
Salt: Not Just for Flavor
Salt does more than season your dough—it fortifies the gluten structure and regulates fermentation. We recommend fine sea salt at 2.5-3% of your flour weight. Add it after your flour and water have started to combine to prevent direct contact with the yeast.
The Art of Fermentation
After mixing, let your dough 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, yielding both flavor and the appealing browning you see in our crusts.
Handling with Care
When it’s time to bake, take your dough out of the fridge 1-2 hours beforehand to let it warm. Handle gently to preserve the gas bubbles that have formed. Use your fingertips to press and stretch the dough, rather than rolling, 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 top out around 550°F (288°C). To compensate, preheat a pizza stone or steel for at least an hour. This provides the intense bottom heat needed to achieve a crisp crust and a light, 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!