Ultimate Pizza Crust
Unleash your inner pizzaiolo with this Ultimate Pizza Crust recipe! Perfectly soft yet sturdy, this dough is a fantastic base for your favorite toppings, whether you're going for a classic Margherita or a loaded meat feast. This versatile dough makes two standard pizza crusts or one deliciously thick pizza, ideal for calzones or even breadsticks for dipping. With its blend of Italian seasoning and a touch of brown sugar, this crust is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade pizza right in your kitchen!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fast rising yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons (none)
Brown sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Warm water
1 1/2 cups (heated to about 110°F)
All-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups (plus extra for kneading)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, fast rising yeast, and brown sugar. Stir gently until dissolved and let it rest for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2
Once the yeast is frothy, add the salt, olive oil, and Italian seasoning to the mixture and stir well.
3
Gradually mix in 2 1/2 cups of the flour, stirring until a rough dough forms.
4
Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface. Knead in more flour, a little at a time, until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.
5
Place the kneaded dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
6
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and let it rest for a minute.
7
Divide the dough and roll out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For a thick crust, leave it thicker; for a thinner crust, roll it out more.
8
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone sprinkled with a bit of cornmeal for added flavor and texture.
9
Pre-bake the crust in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 5-10 minutes until slightly firm but not browned.
10
Remove from the oven, add your favorite toppings, and return to the oven.
11
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
12
Allow to cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pizza recipe?
The recipe is for Ultimate Pizza Crust.
How would you describe the texture of this pizza crust?
The crust is described as perfectly soft yet sturdy, making it a fantastic base for various toppings.
How many pizza crusts does this recipe yield?
This dough makes two standard pizza crusts or one thick pizza crust.
What other items can be made with this dough besides pizza?
This versatile dough is ideal for making calzones or breadsticks for dipping.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 teaspoons of fast rising yeast.
Why is brown sugar included in the dough?
Brown sugar is added to help activate the yeast and add a touch of flavor to the crust.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be heated to approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the yeast mixture rest?
The yeast mixture should rest for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What seasoning is used to flavor the dough?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
How much olive oil is used in the dough?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the initial amount of flour to mix in?
Initially, you should gradually mix in 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much flour is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for the kneading process.
How do I know when I have kneaded the dough enough?
The dough is ready when it is smooth and no longer sticky to the touch.
Where should the dough be placed to rise?
Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl in a warm, draft-free area.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise until it has doubled in size, which takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
What do I do after the dough has risen?
Punch the dough down gently and let it rest for one minute.
How do I prepare the pizza stone?
The pizza stone should be sprinkled with a bit of cornmeal for added flavor and texture.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
Is the crust pre-baked before adding toppings?
Yes, the crust should be pre-baked for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly firm but not browned.
How long is the final bake once toppings are added?
The pizza should bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the pizza is fully cooked?
The pizza is done when the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides approximately 12 servings.
What category of bread does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the description notes that this crust is incredibly easy to make.
Can this dough be used for a classic Margherita pizza?
Yes, the dough is described as a fantastic base for classic Margherita or loaded meat pizzas.
What is the preparation for the salt in this recipe?
The salt requires no special preparation before being added to the mixture.
What is the purpose of punching down the dough?
Punching it down releases air bubbles before rolling it out to your desired thickness.
Should the dough be rolled out on a specific surface?
The dough should be rolled out on a clean, floured surface.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pizza, dough, homemade, easy, yeast bread, italian, calzones, breadsticks, baking, and family-friendly.
What should happen to the yeast mixture after 10 minutes?
The mixture should become frothy, indicating the yeast is active.