In a mixing bowl, combine warm water with sugar. Sprinkle yeast over top and let sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy.

Once yeast mixture is frothy, add flour, kosher salt, and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.

Cover the bowl with a towel and place in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.

While dough is rising, prepare toppings by mincing garlic, grating Parmesan, and chopping fresh herbs.

Coat a baking pan with olive oil and gently stretch the dough to the edges of the pan.

Press deep dimples into the dough surface for flavor infusion, making wells for toppings.

Sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and any optional herbs over the dimples, finishing with flaky sea salt.

Cover pan again and let the dough rise for 20-30 minutes while preheating oven to 425°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.