EASY PEASY PIZZA CRUST

I love to make homemade pizzas.  I use to buy a pre-made dough but several years ago, I started wondering why am I do that?  Seriously, you guys who follow me, know I wanna know what is in my food.  If I make my own crust I know!!!  

I have made several different kinds of pizza crusts but this recipe is the easiest by far and it is simply delicious.  You do not need a stand-up mixer.  You can do this by hand.  However, I like make several at one time, so when I do that I normally use my KitchenAid Mixer.  The best thing about this crust is it only takes 6 ingredients.  You can add a few more if you wish to flavor your crust.  I personally like to add some garlic powder.  I do not use a lot but just enough for a small flavor.  So, do not be scared of making your own pizza crust.  I promise once you have made one, you will feel more confident.  

Again this recipe is so incredibly easy.  Add 1 cup flour, salt, sugar, and a packet of quick rise yeast to a bowl.  If you are going to add garlic powder or Italian seasoning, add those along with the dry ingredients at this time.

Next, add the warm water and olive oil.

Mix this up with a spoon.

Add another cup of flour.  Sometimes you might have to add up to a cup and 1/3.  

Mix this together until you have a dough.  Kneading for a few seconds.

Cover and put in a warm area for at least 30 minutes, you want it to double in size.  

Since I like making several crusts at one time I use my Kitchen Aid.

Pizza Crust

Ingredients

• 2 to 2 1/4 cup plain flour or bread flour` divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 packet quick yeast
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup warm distilled water
• Optional 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions

• Add one cup of flour, sugar, kosher salt and any of the optional ingredients to a bowl.  Mix together.
• Add warm water and olive oil to the bowl of dry ingredients and mix together.
• Add an additional cup of flour and mix by hand.  You might have to add up to 1/4 cup more of flour.  Knead.  You want the dough to be a bit elastic.
• Drizzle some olive oil in a bowl, place dough in bowl and cover.  Put in a warm spot for a least 30 minutes.  It should double in size.  
• Take out of the bowl and knead a few times.  
• At this point, you can use the dough or put it into a plastic bag and keep in the fridge. 

I have found that the dough works much better if you refrigerate for a few days.  If you chose to do this, take your dough out of the fridge 30 minutes before forming a crust.  I have kept pizza dough in my fridge for almost a month before using.

I also prefer to use a pizza stone when cooking my pizza.  Of course, you can use any type of pan but a stone makes your crust taste better.  I like a thin crispy crust.  This recipe will make any type crust you chose to press out.  

If you do not wish to use your hands to form your crust, you can use a rolling pin.  Or even a glass.  

Here are a couple of tips.  Use some corn meal on your pizza pan before putting your pizza dough on.  Or you can use parchment paper.  Either way will help the crust from sticking.  

Let talk flour.  I use unbleached plain flour.  I do this because I am working with yeast.  I have found that dough will rise better if you do not use enriched flour.  You can even use bread flour.  Using bread flour will make a crisper crust.  

If you notice I was specific in the type of water I used.  Again when working with yeast you do not want a lot of additives because this will inhibit the rising process or even kill your active yeast.  You do not want that to happen.  Distilled water is perfect for this recipe.  However, I will admit in a pinch I have used purified water before.  I just will not use tap water.

The yeast we are working with is a rapid rise instant yeast.  This type yeast is so easy to work with and it is great for a beginner.  Instant yeast can be added directly into your ingredients.  I normally make sure it is with my dry ingredients.  If you an active yeast that is not instant you will need to dissolve the yeast in warm water and a bit of sugar to activate the yeast.  

The best thing about making your own pizza crust is you can top it with anything you want.  You can experiment with all kinds of ingredients.  Plus you do not have to wait for delivery or in a restaurant for a meal.  We have even had pizza parties in the past.  Pizza parties are so much fun because each person or couple can make their own pizza.  I make a pizza bar with various ingredients for you to chose from.  It is always fun.  Last night though, we made white chicken pizzas for our friends.  

Since today is Super Bowl Sunday, why not make a few pizzas?

ENJOY!!!