Pizza Base

With a few of our ready-to-go bases in your freezer, you can serve bespoke pizzas in less time than it takes to order a takeaway.

In a large bowl, mix 600g (1lb 5oz) strong white flour, 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast, 2tsp caster sugar and 1tsp fine salt. Add 3tbsp

olive oil and 350ml (12fl oz) lukewarm water, and quickly mix to make a soft but not sticky dough (add more water/flour as needed). Either knead by hand on a lightly floured work surface for 10min, or for 5min on medium speed in a freestanding mixer fitted with a dough hook. Shape dough into a ball, put into a large lightly greased bowl, cover with greased clingfilm (oil-side down) and leave to rise in a warm place until well risen – about 40min.

TO COOK

Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan) mark 7 and put baking sheets into the oven. Punch risen dough down in bowl and divide into quarters. Lightly flour a work surface and roll out quarters to rough 30.5cm (12in) rounds. Transfer to large baking parchment sheets. Top with your chosen toppings. Carefully remove preheated baking sheets from oven and slide on the pizzas (still on baking parchment). Cook until golden and crisp – about 12-15min. Serve. Makes 4 x 30.5cm (12in) bases