Easy Pizza Dough

Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes, or until bubbly.

Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Stir remaining 1 1/2 cups water into yeast mixture. Add 38 ounces (about 4 3/4 cups) flour, oil, and salt; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes); add enough of remaining 25 ounces (about 1/2 cup) flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel sticky).

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.

Divide dough into 4 equal portions; shape each portion into a ball. Roll out dough according to recipe directions, or place in a bowl coated with cooking spray; cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

Tip: For longer storage, coat dough balls with cooking spray; place each in a large heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Seal bags tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw dough in bag in refrigerator overnight. Remove dough from bag. Reshape dough into a smooth ball. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Proceed as directed in recipe.