Pizza Crust
Written by Rachel, Posted in Baking, Bread, Pizza
I hope you had a wonderful weekend! We had a fairly quiet one, filled with a few fun things. We got our Christmas tree (from Oliver Holt & Sons & Daughters a local family business, located at 4201 Magnolia in Toluca Lake – great people, great experience, always great to support a family business), finished our decorations, watched many Christmas movies, ate Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, and had lunch at Fudruckers with friends… just to name a few things.
We also had our traditional Pizza Friday! The tradition started when I was searching for the best pizza crust recipe. I found one that I loved right away, but continued the tradition, since it was fun to have a different kind of pizza every week. It’s forced me to be creative, and has been so fun (and yummy!!). I had to be especially creative when our oven was broken for 3 weeks. Thankfully we have a toaster oven. I came up with a Layered Pizza (in baking dish that fit in the toaster), Strombolis, and Stovetop Pizza. They all turned out surprisingly well!
Over time I have been tweaking and changing the recipe to my own specifications. So, today, I’m going to share it with you; my version of Pizza Crust. It still might need a bit of tweaking, but, since it’s being featured on this week’s upcoming A Cooking Show with Rachel O – This Week’s Feast, I’ll share it now, and post updates if necessary.
Happy Pizza Eating!!
- 1 to 1 1/2 t salt
- 1 t plus 1 1/2 T honey
- 1 1/2 T olive oil
- 3/4 C whole wheat flour
- 2 1/4 to 3 C all purpose flour
- 1 C water (between 100-110 degrees F)
- 1 T yeast
- rosemary, oregano, thyme, basil or other fresh herbs (optional)
- Mix yeast, 1 t honey and hot water (between 100-110 degrees F) together with a whisk. Set aside and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.*
- Mix all the whole wheat and 2 1/4 C all purpose flour and salt together. Add honey and oil. Add yeast mixture and mix with a spoon. (You can also mix all wet ingredients together first, then add to flours and salt. I’ve tried it both ways, and both work.)
- As the dough starts to come together, it will be sticky. Add more flour as needed. When you can no longer mix with a spoon, flour the counter (or other favorite kneading spot) and begin to knead dough, adding more flour as needed. Knead for about 5 minutes.
- Oil a bowl (doesn’t have to be a new bowl). Place dough in bowl, turning to coat. Place in a warm spot, and cover with a clean, damp tea towel and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). If you’re not going to use the dough that day, leave in the fridge for a day or so, or freeze** it.
- When you’re ready to bake, divide the dough in half, flour a pizza stone (or pan). Roll out, or stretch out dough (or you can toss it if you know how). Either roll out over the edge of the pan and fold back up to make crust, or just make an indent all the way around the edge with your finger, to make crust.
- Bake 5 minutes at 475F.
- Remove from oven. Top with desired toppings. Bake 6-8 minutes at 475F.
*Adapted from this recipe found on My Recipes.
