She Strengthens

Transform Your Weeknights with a Delicious Homemade Pizza Crust

Tired of relying on frozen pizzas for a quick dinner solution? Think again! With just four simple ingredients and about an hour of your time, you can create a mouth-watering homemade pizza crust that will leave store-bought options in the dust.

The Magic of Homemade Pizza

Making your own pizza from scratch might seem intimidating, but trust us, it’s easier than you think. And the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re planning a cozy movie night or a casual dinner party, homemade pizza is the perfect solution.

Tips for Pizza Perfection

Before we dive into the recipe, here are some expert tips to help you achieve pizza paradise:

• If you don’t have yeast, don’t worry! You can use sourdough discard or try a no-yeast pizza dough recipe. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different.
• Want to get ahead of the game? You can refrigerate or freeze extra dough for up to a month. Simply thaw and bake when you’re ready.
• This versatile dough isn’t just for pizza! Use it to make cheesy garlic bread sticks or sweet dessert sticks for a unique treat.

Homemade Pizza Crust Recipe

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Makes 4 8-inch pizzas

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ teaspoons active or instant dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Olive oil for baking
• Toppings of your choice (tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, olives, ham, pineapple, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a large measuring cup, combine warm water and yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes to activate.
2. In a separate bowl, measure out the flour. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, stir it into the flour until no clumps remain. Cover with a damp towel and rest for 15-20 minutes.
3. Add the salt, stir gently, and cover again. Let it rise for at least 20 minutes or up to several hours.
4. Generously flour a flat surface and divide the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then knead until elastic and no longer sticky.
5. Cover the dough balls with a damp towel and let them rise for 15-20 minutes or more.
6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
7. Flatten a dough ball into a circle, then place it on parchment paper. Brush with olive oil and add your desired toppings.
8. Bake for 7 minutes, then remove and top with cheese or other toppings. Return to the oven for an additional 4-5 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven when the crust is golden-brown and the cheese starts to turn brown at the edge of the crust. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Get ready to transform your weeknights with this simple yet delicious homemade pizza crust recipe!