Thick And Zesty Pizza Crust
A thick, crispy pizza crust with bold flavors from oregano and garlic powder, perfect for a hearty homemade pizza that suits family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water.
- Add 1 teaspoon sugar and set aside until frothy.
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, salt, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Mix well and add shortening.
- Pour water and yeast mixture over the dry ingredients and mix by hand until somewhat smooth.
- Gradually stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour to form a stiff dough.
- Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
- With well-greased fingers, press the dough into a pizza pan, forming an edge.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread with pizza sauce and desired toppings.
- Bake for another 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown and crisp on edges.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture. If you're out of shortening, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitute. Letting the dough rest longer than 15 minutes can enhance the flavor. Don't skip the step of letting the yeast become frothy; this ensures it's active and will help the dough rise properly.
Serving Suggestions
This thick and zesty pizza crust pairs beautifully with your favorite toppings and sauces. For a delightful meal, serve with a side of Primavera Tomato Sauce for dipping or a fresh salad such as Panzanella. It's perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, and can easily be customized to suit both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring the crust remains crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thick And Zesty Pizza Crust contains roughly 632 calories, with 21g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (236% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1785mg per serving (78% 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 use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in water first. You may need to adjust the water slightly depending on the dough consistency, but the overall process remains the same.
How can I make this pizza crust vegan?
To make this pizza crust vegan, simply replace the shortening with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure that your toppings and sauce are vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan pizza that still has great flavor and texture.
What toppings work best with this crust?
This thick crust can hold up to a variety of toppings. Classic choices include pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers, but feel free to get creative! Consider using a mix of fresh vegetables, or even a Creamy Italian Toss for a unique flavor. The possibilities are endless!
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).