Makes two 12- to 14-inch pizzas (6 to 8 servings)
1. To make the dough, in the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the water, oil, yeast, and sugar.
2. Place the dough hook onto the mixer and add the flour to the bowl. Add the salt.
3. Mix on low speed until the dough is smooth, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the bowl from the mixer and brush the top of the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes.
5. Dust a clean surface with flour and remove the dough from the bowl.
6. Pizza bakes best in a hot oven, so preheat your oven to 450°F. You can bake your pizza either on a baking sheet dusted with flour or fine cornmeal or on a pizza stone, if you have one. If using a pizza stone, put it in the oven to preheat.
7. Cut the dough into two pieces. Roll the dough into two round ball shapes and cover them with the plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
8. Dust each ball with flour and, using a rolling pin or your hands, form each ball of dough into a round pizza shape, as thick or thin as you like it.
9. Set each pizza on a baking sheet or on a floured pizza peel if you are using a pizza stone. Add sauce and whatever toppings you like.
10. Transfer the pizzas to the oven and bake until the edges and bottoms are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
After resting, the dough can be shaped using your hands or a rolling pin. If it gets overworked, it will tighten and be hard to shape. If the dough becomes hard to work with, put it aside to rest for about 30 minutes before continuing to shape.