Homemade Pan Pizza With Perfectly Crispy Crust Recipe
For all pizza lovers, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a homemade pan pizza with a perfectly crispy crust. This recipe features a wholesome whole wheat dough, topped with caramelized onions, fresh vegetables, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all balanced with the richness of homemade pizza sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weekend lunch or a cozy evening meal, this recipe will bring a piece of Italy right to your table. With a crisp crust and flavorful toppings, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your pizza-making repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 1/4 teaspoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Water (lukewarm) | As needed to knead the dough |
| Onion (chopped in rings) | 2 onions |
| Mozzarella Cheese (for topping) | 1 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper (sliced) | 1 |
| Tomato (chopped into chunks) | 1 |
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | For dusting the pan |
| Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce | 1 cup |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by gathering all the ingredients to prepare the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate small bowl, activate the active dry yeast by adding it to lukewarm water (make sure the water isn’t too hot, as this can kill the yeast). Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
Next, pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture along with 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Mix well and gradually add more lukewarm water, a little at a time, until you form a dough that’s soft and pliable. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Preparing the Toppings
While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza toppings. Slice the onions into rings and set them aside. Heat a small pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Set the caramelized onions aside to cool slightly. Slice the green bell pepper into thin strips and chop the tomato into bite-sized chunks. Set aside all the toppings.
Step 3: Assembling the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a round pizza pan or a skillet and dust it with a bit of sooji (semolina/rava) to help achieve that perfect crispy crust.
Roll the dough out into a round shape and fit it into the prepared pan. Make sure the edges of the dough rise slightly to form a crust. Spread a generous layer of homemade pizza and pasta sauce over the dough, leaving the edges free for the crust.
Step 4: Adding the Toppings
Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then, arrange the caramelized onions, green bell pepper slices, and tomato chunks over the cheese. Add another sprinkle of mozzarella if you prefer extra cheesy pizza.
Step 5: Baking the Pizza
Place the pan pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling. You may also broil the top for the last 2-3 minutes to get a slightly charred effect on the cheese.
Step 6: Serving
Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade pan pizza with its perfectly crispy crust, topped with fresh veggies and melted cheese.
Tips for Success:
- For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite vegetables or even some fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- If you like a spicier pizza, drizzle some chili oil or sprinkle chili flakes over the pizza before baking.
This Homemade Pan Pizza with Perfectly Crispy Crust is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy pizza at home. The whole wheat crust provides a healthier alternative, while the combination of caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese, and fresh veggies makes each bite flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner with friends and family!
