Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for a blend)
- 15–20 slices of pepperoni (or your preferred toppings)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until the dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Shape and Pre Bake the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out to fit a large pizza pan or baking sheet.
- For a rising crust, leave the edges slightly thicker.
- Pre bake the crust for 5-7 minutes until it starts to firm up but not brown.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella (and optional cheddar) cheese over the sauce.
- Add your preferred toppings, such as pepperoni, veggies, or sausage.
- Optionally, sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake the assembled pizza for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispier crust, place the pizza directly on the oven rack for the last 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve:
- Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- You can freeze the pre baked crust for a quick pizza night.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or toppings to match your favorite DiGiorno varieties.
- Brush the crust with garlic butter for an added flavor boost.