Single Crust Pizza Crust
A versatile homemade pizza crust with a tender, chewy texture, perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings and creating delicious, crowd-pleasing pizzas at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat water and vegetable oil to 125° to 130°.
- Combine 1 cup of flour, dry yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix well.
- Add the heated water and oil to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until mixed well.
- Add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape or roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Grease a 12-inch pizza pan lightly and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Place the dough on the pan, add desired toppings, and bake at 425°F until the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for about 5 minutes before adding toppings. If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture. Adjust the water amount based on your flour type; humidity can affect dough consistency. If you're in a hurry, use store-bought Sally'S Pizza Dough for a quick alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza crust pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, from classic marinara and mozzarella to more adventurous options like pesto and goat cheese. Serve it alongside a light salad, such as Twistin' Pasta Salad(Makes 6 To 8 Servings.), for a complete meal. Consider offering dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pizza, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain the crust's crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Single Crust Pizza Crust contains roughly 216 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pizza crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping it. This resting period can enhance the flavor and texture of the crust.
What toppings work best with this crust?
The beauty of this crust is its versatility. Classic toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms are always a hit, but you can also experiment with fresh vegetables, assorted cheeses, or even vegan recipes like roasted peppers and olives for a healthier option.
How do I know when the crust is done baking?
The crust is perfectly baked when it turns a golden brown color and has a slightly firm texture. You can also tap the crust lightly; it should sound hollow. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake it for a few extra minutes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).