We are not pizza snobs in our family.  Our table has been graced by so many boxes of Little Caesars $5 pizzas that it’s a little embarrassing.  That being said, I do love to make my own pizza crust and make ‘fancy’ pizza (if there is such a thing).  Homemade pizza crust is actually very easy – this practically foolproof recipe can be the start to some of the best family pizza nights you’ll ever have!  ~Tracy

• 3 ½ c. all purpose flour
• ½ c. whole wheat flour
• 1 package quick rise yeast
• 1 ½ c. warm (not hot) water
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil

Here’s how to make it:

Sprinkle the yeast over the water in a small bowl.  Stir gently to dampen all yeast.

Combine the both types of flour and salt in mixing bowl.

Gradually add the olive oil into the flour mixture until just mixed together.

Pour the yeast and water mixture into the flour and oil while mixing; preferably with the dough hook of a stand mixer.  If you do not have a stand mixer you can do this the old fashioned way – with your hands (spray them with cooking spray first to avoid everything sticking to your hands).  Dough should eventually form a ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Swirl a little olive oil (or you can use cooking spray) around the bowl to avoid dough sticking.  Cover the top of the bowl loosely with parchment paper or a lightweight dish towel and allow to rise for approximately one hour or until at least doubled in size.

Roll out dough on parchment sprayed with cooking spray (helps the dough not to stick) and slide both onto baking sheet or pizza stone.

Add your favorite toppings and bake at 450 for 12 – 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

*Makes two crusts approximately 12 x 12 inches.  Adjust the size of your pizza to control the thickness of crust.

*Hint – As dough is rising, you can set your mixing bowl on a heating pad to speed the rising process.

*Hint – If you don’t have wheat flour, using all white flour is perfectly fine.