I have a few a few pizza crust recipes I use. This is my favorite thick crust recipe. Super easy, very tasty.
Make the crust:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Combine the first 4 dry ingredients. Combine water and oil, then add to the dry ingredients. I use my Kitchen Aid mixer to mix then use the dough hook to knead for about 5 minutes. You can mix by hand then knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Grease a bowl and put ball of dough in it. Toss it around to coat. Cover the bowl and let rise 20 minutes. I use the same mixer bowl so I don't dirty another dish. In a rush, I sometimes skip this rise. The dough will still be good, just not as thick.
Grease a 12" or 16" pizza pan and spread dough out with your hands on the pan. Don't use a rolling pin. Top pizza and let rise for 15 more minutes. I've also skipped this rise with success.
Topping your pizza: Mix 2-3 Tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and a dash of salt. Spread oil mixture on crust, especially the edges. Add pizza sauce. Good pizza sauce is a requirement. If you aren't up for making your own, I recommend Trader Joe's pizza sauce. Then add 3/4 to 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup fresh shredded parmesan.
Bake at 450 degrees for 11-15 minutes.
Do you make your own pizza?
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