This is my family’s favorite Quick Pizza Crust we make almost weekly. Prep time is fast and it only needs to rest for 10 minutes before baking it with your favorite toppings!
I’ve been making pizza for my family for quite a while now. When my kids were little (the oldest is 17 now!), we started a tradition of having pizza and watching a movie together every Friday night. Sometimes we ordered in, but more often than not I just made it at home. I’ve tried many different pizza crust recipes over the years, but this one has been hands down my favorite. Who knew such a simple crust could be this good!
What I Love About This Pizza Crust
I actually found this recipe over at Forks Over Knives and adapted it to fit my own family’s needs. Here is what I love most about this crust:
The ingredients are plant-based and minimally processed. There are only four actual ingredients in this recipe if you don’t count water. Perfect if you want to follow a whole foods, plant-based diet!
It is super quick to make! If you are like me, you’re often trying to throw a dinner together last minute with little prep time. Thankfully instead of waiting two or more hours for a crust to rest, it only requires ten minutes! This means you don’t have to plan too far ahead!
This pizza crust is completely oil-free. This is a huge plus if you are trying to avoid some of the processed oils out on the market today.
It is practically fool-proof. This recipe is really difficult to mess up. After making it a couple times, you’ll be a pro!
Ingredients
Flour – I typically use organic unbleached, all-purpose flour for my crust. You can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or a combination of the two. In my experience, for a wheat crust I recommend using 3 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of whole wheat. Again, this is just my preference flavor wise. The crust will work with any ratio.
Instant Yeast – This type of yeast is ready to use right out of the package and does not require the extra time for it to be “activated”.
Sugar – Just a small touch of sweetness to help bring out the flavor and increase the browning of the crust.
Salt – Helps flavor the crust.
Warm Water – Brings it all together to create a soft dough.
Pizza toppings – So many to choose from! Use vegan toppings if you’d like it to be plant-based. Depending on the day, we like zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, red or green onion, jalapeno, olives, artichokes, broccoli, chickpeas, fresh basil, etc. You can try it with vegan mozzarella or vegan Parmesan. Often I will eat it without cheese, and just drizzle on vegan ranch after it’s cooked. Don’t forget to add your favorite pizza sauce, herbs, and spices!
How to Make Quick Pizza Crust
Make the Crust
1. Combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer (fitted with a dough hook); or combine in a large mixing bowl. Turn mixer on low (if using), or combine ingredients with a wooden spoon.
2. Add 1½ cups of the warm water to the flour mixture. Mix on low (or with a wooden spoon) until it comes together and a soft ball of dough forms. If it doesn’t come together (too dry), add the rest of the warm water a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet (sticky), incorporate extra flour a tablespoon at a time into the dough. Knead in mixer or by hand for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Place ball of dough in a mixing bowl dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Cover and let rest for at least 10 minutes or longer. Meanwhile preheat oven to 425°F.
Prep Pizza Pans
1. Grease two pizza pans and set aside.
2. Divide pizza dough in half. Roll out pizza dough one at a time on a floured surface.
3. Place on greased pizza pans. Add your favorite toppings to the pizza crusts.
Bake the Pizza
1. Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. (For best results, I bake mine one at a time.)
2. Check bottom of crust and toppings until they are done to your preference.
3. Tip for a Crispier Crust: Transfer the pizza directly to the oven rack after it’s been cooking for some time and is well set. (Usually after the first 12-14 minutes.)
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Ingredients
- 4 cups flour (plus more for dusting) all-purpose, whole wheat, or a combination
- 1 packet instant yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ – 1¾ cup warm water (110 -120°F)
- favorite pizza toppings
Instructions
- Combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer (fitted with a dough hook) or in a large mixing bowl. Turn mixer on low (if using) or combine ingredients with a wooden spoon.
- Add 1½ cups of the warm water to the flour mixture. Mix on low (or with a wooden spoon) until it comes together and a soft ball of dough forms. If it doesn't come together (too dry), add the rest of the warm water a tablespoon at a time. If it's too wet (sticky), incorporate extra flour a tablespoon at a time into the dough. Knead in mixer or by hand for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Place ball of dough in a mixing bowl dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Cover and let rest for at least 10 minutes or longer. Meanwhile preheat oven to 425°F.
- Grease two pizza pans and set aside. Divide pizza dough in half. Roll out pizza dough one at a time on a floured surface. Place on greased pizza pans.
- Add your favorite toppings to the pizza crusts. Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. (For best results, I bake mine one at a time.) Check bottom of crust and toppings until they are done to your preference. **For a crispier crust, carefully transfer the pizza directly to the oven rack (only after it's been baking for at least 12 minutes) and bake another 2 minutes. If the toppings need much longer, do not transfer to oven rack until they are almost done.
Notes
- If using whole wheat flour, look for white whole wheat for a milder flavor.
- I typically use equal parts all-purpose and whole wheat for a healthier crust. However, all-purpose produces the tastiest crust.
- Whole wheat flour will usually require more warm water to be added to the mixing bowl to help bring the dough together into a ball. Keep adding water a tablespoon at a time as needed.
- For a crispier crust, transfer the pizza directly to the oven rack after it’s been cooking for some time and is well set. (Usually after the first 12-14 minutes.) Be careful if you try this, and make sure the bottom is not still raw as it could droop through the oven rack.
Our new fave crust,! Thank you!