5 Easy Pizza Base Recipes to Try Tonight

Imagine biting into a fresh, hot slice of pizza, with toppings that perfectly balance the tangy sauce and the chewy, delicious crust. The quest for the perfect pizza base can often be as exciting as selecting the toppings themselves. Today, we dive into the world of homemade pizza bases, offering you five easy-to-make recipes that you can try right in the comfort of your kitchen tonight. These recipes are not only diverse in flavor but also cater to different dietary preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Classic Italian Pizza Dough

The Classic Italian Pizza Dough is the foundation of the iconic Neapolitan pizza. Here’s how you can make it:

• 2 cups of ‘00’ flour (or all-purpose if unavailable)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Activate the yeast by mixing it with sugar and 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center, pour in the yeast mixture, remaining water, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally with a pizza stone. Shape the dough, add toppings, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

💡 Note: If your dough is too sticky, add flour gradually while kneading. If it's too dry, add a bit of water at a time.

Cauliflower Pizza Base

For those looking for a gluten-free option or simply wanting to sneak more veggies into their diet, here’s a delicious cauliflower pizza base recipe:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¹⁄₂ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried oregano
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Steam the riced cauliflower for 5-7 minutes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. In a bowl, mix cauliflower with the beaten egg, cheeses, and seasonings until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into a round pizza shape on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until it sets and browns at the edges.
5. Add your favorite toppings and bake for another 10 minutes.

💡 Note: Make sure to drain excess moisture from the cauliflower to avoid a soggy base.

Thin and Crispy Pizza Dough

If you crave a thin and crispy pizza, this recipe will become your go-to:

• 2 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mix. Stir until it forms a sticky dough.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
4. Allow to rise in an oiled bowl covered for 1-2 hours.
5. Divide the dough, roll out as thin as possible, and transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for about 7-10 minutes until crispy.

Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

For gluten-sensitive individuals, here's a delicious gluten-free pizza crust:

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp xanthan gum (if not already in the flour blend)

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and xanthan gum. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Combine the yeast mixture and oil with the dry ingredients, mix until it forms a ball.
3. Knead for about 3-4 minutes, adding a bit more water or flour if needed to achieve the right consistency.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
5. Roll out or press the dough into desired shape. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes before adding toppings.

Here's the final key to making these pizza bases:

Whole Wheat Artisan Pizza Base

Last but not least, a whole wheat artisan pizza base for health-conscious pizza lovers:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp honey or sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Steps:

1. Mix yeast with warm water and honey, let sit until foamy.
2. Combine flours and salt in a large bowl. Make a well, then pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead for about 10 minutes. This dough will be a bit stickier due to the whole wheat flour.
4. Let it rise in an oiled bowl, covered, for 2-3 hours or overnight in the fridge for a deeper flavor.
5. Shape the dough, top, and bake at 500°F (260°C) for 10-12 minutes.

💡 Note: Whole wheat flour absorbs more water, so adjust the amount of water accordingly.

In wrapping up our journey through these five delicious and versatile pizza base recipes, we've covered a spectrum of options from traditional to health-conscious. Each recipe brings its unique texture and flavor to the table, ensuring that there’s a pizza crust for every palate. Whether you’re a purist sticking to the classic Italian dough or looking to innovate with a cauliflower base, these recipes are your gateway to a homemade pizza experience that's both delightful and empowering. Enjoy crafting your perfect slice tonight!

Can I freeze pizza dough for later use?

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Yes, you can! Pizza dough freezes well. Simply prepare the dough, let it rise, shape it into portions, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use, and let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

How do I make my pizza crust extra crispy?

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To achieve an extra crispy crust, preheat your oven with a pizza stone inside. The high initial temperature will help crisp the bottom. Also, consider parbaking the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings for an even crisper result.

What are some vegan-friendly pizza bases?

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Vegan-friendly bases can include cauliflower crust (without the cheese), chickpea flour crust, or simply using a vegan-friendly dough recipe that substitutes eggs with flaxseed or aquafaba.