Techniques
Dough
Skill
Beginner
1 min

Do a short second proof of a dough ball before stretching (about 20 minutes)

After balling and lightly flouring, cover and rest the dough for ~20 minutes before shaping.

For the dough you’re using right away, dust the bench and the dough lightly with flour, cover with a lightweight dry cloth, and proof/rest for about 20 minutes. This is presented as the step before forming the pizza shape.

The short version

  • Light flour dusting + cover
  • Rest about 20 minutes before shaping

How to do it

  1. 1

    Dust the bench with a little flour and lightly dust the dough ball.

    Use only a light dusting.

    Watch this step
  2. 2

    Cover the dough ball with a lightweight dry cloth.

    Watch this step
  3. 3

    Rest/proof for about 20 minutes before shaping.

    This rest helps with stretching.

    Watch this step

Why it works

A short rest lets gluten relax, making the dough easier to stretch without springing back.

Put it to use

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