The time it takes for homemade pizza crust to rise with active dry yeast can vary depending on several factors, such as room temperature, yeast activity, and the amount of yeast used. Generally, the rising process for pizza dough can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
Here's a general guideline for the rising process:
Proofing the yeast: Before adding the yeast to the pizza dough ingredients, you'll need to proof the yeast. To do this, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (around 110°F or 43°C) along with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to ferment the dough.
Mixing the dough: Combine the proofed yeast mixture with flour, salt, and other pizza dough ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First rise (primary fermentation): Place the kneaded pizza dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area. The first rise typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. During this time, the dough should roughly double in size.
Punching down and shaping: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release excess gas. Then, divide the dough into individual pizza crusts or shape it into a single crust, depending on your preference.
Second rise (optional): Some pizza recipes call for a second, shorter rise after shaping the dough. This step helps to relax the dough and make it easier to work with. The second rise usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
Preparing the pizza: Once the dough has gone through its rising stages, you can proceed to add your desired toppings and bake the pizza in a preheated oven.
Keep in mind that the exact rising time can vary, so it's essential to keep an eye on the dough's appearance rather than adhering strictly to a specific timeframe. The dough is ready to use when it has visibly increased in volume and feels soft and airy to the touch. If you're short on time, you can use warm water to proof the yeast and place the dough in a slightly warmer spot to speed up the rising process. However, allowing the dough to rise slowly can enhance its flavor and texture.