Pizza night is a beloved tradition in many households, but disagreements about toppings can sometimes overshadow the joy of a shared meal. Like the author of the original recipe, many home cooks find themselves navigating differing pizza preferences. However, one thing everyone can agree on is the importance of a fantastic pizza crust. This recipe, inspired by the popular Pioneer Woman Pizza Crust, aims to deliver just that – a truly exceptional base for your pizza creations.
This isn’t just another pizza dough recipe; it’s a game-changer. Imagine a crust that’s perfectly crisp on the outside, delightfully chewy on the inside, and robust enough to hold all your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer a minimalist bianca pizza or a meat-lover’s extravaganza, this Pioneer Woman pizza crust recipe provides a versatile foundation for pizza night success. The added bonus? This recipe makes two crusts, allowing you to enjoy one immediately and freeze the other for a future pizza craving, ensuring you always have homemade goodness at your fingertips. Say goodbye to store-bought dough forever!
Let’s dive into creating this incredible pioneer woman pizza crust, step-by-step. Don’t worry about fancy dough-tossing skills – this recipe is designed for home cooks of all levels.
First, activate your yeast:
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of active dry or instant yeast into 1 1/2 cups of warm (not hot) water. Ensure the water is just warm to the touch to encourage yeast activity without scalding it.
Next, prepare the dough in a mixer:
In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. With the mixer on low speed, slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil until it’s fully incorporated into the flour mixture.
Introduce the yeast mixture:
Pour the yeast and water mixture into the flour and oil mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until the dough comes together to form a ball. This may take a few minutes.
Allow the dough to rise:
Lightly grease a separate mixing bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and set it in a warm place to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size. This rising time is crucial for developing the dough’s flavor and texture.
Prepare for baking:
Once the dough has doubled, divide it in half. Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). Lightly drizzle olive oil onto your pizza pan or a rimmed baking sheet.
Shape and top your pizza:
Using your hands, stretch and press one portion of the dough to your desired shape and thickness directly onto the prepared pan. Drizzle the dough with a little more olive oil and consider adding Italian seasoning or minced garlic for extra flavor, if desired, instead of traditional pizza sauce.
Now for the fun part – toppings! Load up your pizza with your favorite ingredients. The original recipe example includes bacon, Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella, but the possibilities are endless.
Bake to perfection:
Bake your pizza in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the toppings are cooked to your liking. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
Enjoy the crispy, buttery crust:
Prepare to be amazed by the texture of this crust. It’s delightfully crispy, almost buttery, and definitely avoids any sogginess. You’ll likely find yourself reaching for slice after slice!
For later use:
The remaining dough portion can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months. This makes future pizza nights even easier!
In conclusion, the Pioneer Woman pizza crust recipe is a winner for homemade pizza enthusiasts. Its ease of preparation, coupled with the incredible taste and texture, will make it a staple in your kitchen. Gather your favorite toppings and get ready to create pizza night magic with this fantastic recipe!
