Thick and Tender Homemade Pizza Crust Recipe
If you’re a fan of a hearty, thick pizza crust that’s irresistibly tender, then this recipe is perfect for you. Unlike those thin, crispy varieties, this crust delivers a substantial, satisfying bite that’s ideal for holding up your favorite toppings. Imagine biting into a warm, golden crust brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with a touch of kosher salt, garlic powder, and a hint of shredded mozzarella cheese. Served fresh out of the oven with a plate of pasta, this crust is simply divine!
Whether you choose to knead this dough by hand or let your stand mixer do the heavy lifting, this recipe is straightforward yet incredibly rewarding. For the best results, especially when working with a large quantity of dough, a stand mixer is highly recommended. If you’re short on time and want to speed up the rising process, using 1 tablespoon of dry yeast will work wonders. This recipe yields three deliciously thick pizza crusts that can also be frozen and reheated, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 cups warm water (105°F or 40°C)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (or a combination of both)
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast: In a medium bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar and let the mixture sit for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for a foamy, bubbly top which indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go.
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Mix the Dough: Add the remaining warm water, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough begins to form. You can either continue mixing by hand or transfer the dough to your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for approximately 34 to 40 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
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Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Place each part into a well-oiled pizza pan. Gently press and stretch the dough out to fit the pan, using your fingers to create small dimples across the surface.
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Season the Dough: Sprinkle each pizza crust with a pinch of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and your choice of chopped rosemary or thyme. This will enhance the flavor and aroma of the crust as it bakes.
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Second Rise: Cover the pans with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 50 to 60 minutes. The dough should puff up and become slightly airy.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pizza crusts for about 25 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color and feel firm to the touch.
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Cool and Store: Allow the crusts to cool slightly before removing them from the pans. If you’re not using them immediately, you can freeze the baked crusts. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven until they are heated through and crispy.
With this recipe, you’ll have thick, tender pizza crusts ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients and enjoyed by all. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, these crusts will be the perfect foundation for your homemade pizzas. Enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked crusts and the satisfaction of making your pizza from scratch!
Feel free to adjust the seasonings and toppings to your taste. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit any pizza creation you desire. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! 🍕✨
