It’s Friday!! That usually means pizza and a movie at my house. I love pizza. It really is such a universal food; good for all age groups. Kids love it. College kids survive on it. Adults can’t get enough of it. And it instantly turns dinner into a party. This truly is like Pizza Hut pan pizza . . . a rich soft crispy crust, delivered as hot and fresh as possible – right from your oven. It’s definitely going to fulfill your recommended daily allowance for the fats/oils food group (haha!), so serve with napkins. Lots of them!
Dough:
2¼ t yeast
1 T sugar
1 t salt
¼ c non-fat dry milk
1 1/3 c warm water
2 T oil
3½ – 4 c flour
additional 9 oz. oil for pans
Toppings:
¾ c pizza sauce*
pepperoni, ham, sausage, green pepper, onions, olives, mushrooms, etc.
3¼ c shredded mozzarella cheese
1 T melted butter (optional)
Note: Will need three 9-inch cake pans
Combine yeast, sugar, salt and dry milk in large bowl. Add water and mix well. Let sit 2 minutes. Stir in oil. Add 3 cups flour and mix until incorporated. Gradually add more flour until soft dough forms. Knead until smooth. Pour 3 oz. oil into each cake pan and spread evenly. Divide dough into three equal portions and roll each portion into 9-inch circle. Place in pans on top of oil. Cover each pan with plate and let rise for 1 – 1½ hours.
On each pizza, spread ¼ cup sauce to within 1 inch of edge. Sprinkle 1/3 cup cheese. Layer meat/vegetable toppings as desired. Sprinkle with additional ¾ cup cheese. Add additional toppings if desired. Bake at 475°F for 9-12 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Remove from oven. Brush melted butter on outer crust if desired.
*I like to use Hunt’s Four-Cheese Spaghetti Sauce