Double Crust Pizza Recipe – Twice the Flavor, Twice the Fun

You might not know that double crust pizza has origins dating back to the early 1950s in the United States, cleverly evolving from classic recipes. This unique style not only delivers twice the crust but also boosts the overall flavor profile, making each bite a delightful surprise. With a few simple adjustments, you can create your own version that appeals to everyone’s tastes. So, what makes this recipe stand out, and how can it transform your usual pizza night into something extraordinary?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll absolutely love this double crust pizza recipe for its incredible convenience and versatility. This method reduces final cook times, especially for thick-crust and high-hydration doughs, making it perfect for busy kitchens. Parbaking crusts in advance allows for quicker assembly and baking during peak times, saving you valuable minutes.

Using double baking is essential for styles like Detroit and pan pizzas. It prevents the dough from getting tough or soggy, ensuring a consistent quality and texture every time. You’ll also avoid common issues, like the gum line that happens with single-baked pizzas. The resulting crust is light and airy, even with loaded toppings. Moreover, double-bake methods allow for easier delivery and storage of the pizzas.

Dimpling the dough before parbaking is a handy tip to avoid uneven baking. If you prepare the dough by proofing and managing yeast activation carefully, you’ll see great results.

Plus, preheating your oven to the maximum temperature plays a key role in achieving that perfect, well-baked crust. Whether you want to create stuffed pies or tasty flatbreads, double crust pizzas are a flexible option with endless customizations.

History

Double crust pizza has an intriguing history shaped by innovation, regional influences, and culinary experimentation. One notable development occurred in 1985 when Pizza Hut introduced Priazzo, a double-crust pizza that featured over one pound of cheese and various fillings. This creation drew inspiration from Italy’s pizza rustica but added an extra layer of sauce and cheese on top.

Pizza Hut marketed the Priazzo as a “pie,” aiming to boost sales by 10%. Although sales increased initially, they eventually declined due to high costs and fixed topping choices, leading to its discontinuation.

The evolution didn’t stop there. In 1995, Pizza Hut launched the stuffed crust pizza, which quickly became popular, despite some legal battles over its patent. This innovation in pizza offerings revolutionized pizza by introducing a unique crust concept that resonated with consumers.

Globally, variations emerged, adapting local ingredients to the double crust format. Regional styles like the Old Forge white pizza and Chicago deep-dish also contributed to this dish’s diverse landscape.

Recipe

Double crust pizza is a delightful dish that brings together the comfort of freshly baked dough and a variety of toppings, all enveloped in a golden crust. This pizza style features two layers of dough, providing a rich and hearty experience with every bite. With a total caloric content that can be high in calories, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

Whether you choose a classic tomato sauce base or opt for a creamy white pizza, the extensive topping options guarantee everyone can enjoy their personal favorite combination.

Preparing double crust pizza at home is an enjoyable process, allowing for customization to suit individual tastes. By following the simple steps outlined below, you can create a delicious pizza that’s bound to impress family and friends.

Let your creativity flow with toppings while always keeping the classic cheese and sauce base as the foundational elements of this irresistible dish.

Ingredients:
– 2 pieces of premade pizza dough (16 oz each) or homemade dough
– 2 cans of refrigerated pizza crust (optional)
– Pizza sauce
– Cheese (mozzarella and/or other varieties)
– Toppings of choice (e.g., sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions)
– Olive oil
– Seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, oregano)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature: 400°F for a basic double crust pizza, 450°F for an Old Forge double crust white pizza, or 375°F for a supreme double crust pizza.

2. Unroll or roll out one piece of dough to fit your baking pan, guaranteeing an even coverage. Press the dough down to cover the entire surface of the pan.

3. Spread a layer of pizza sauce over the dough. If you’re making a white pizza, skip the sauce and move directly to adding the cheese.

4. Evenly distribute your chosen toppings over the sauce, leaving a margin around the edges to allow for sealing.

5. Generously sprinkle cheese over the toppings. For a white pizza, prioritize cheese and seasonings without any tomato sauce.

6. Carefully place the second piece of dough over the toppings and press the edges firmly to seal, preventing any filling from escaping.

7. Pinch or press the edges together to create a tight seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

8. Brush the top crust with olive oil and sprinkle with additional seasonings for improved flavor.

9. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe type: 15-20 minutes for basic, 18-22 minutes for Old Forge, or 35-40 minutes for supreme, until the crust is golden brown.

10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot with additional pizza sauce if desired.

Extra Tips: To guarantee a perfect double crust pizza, keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness, ensuring the crust is golden and not raw in the middle.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and cheese combinations to find what you love best. Rotating the pizza halfway through baking will also promote even cooking.

Enjoy your homemade pizza experience by getting creative with flavors and hinge onto seasonal ingredients!

Final Thoughts

Creating a delicious double crust pizza at home isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about the benefits and experiences that come with it. When you choose a double-baked crust, you cut down on cooking time, which is especially handy on busy nights. Plus, it helps eliminate that often-unpleasant gum line, giving you a much more enjoyable slice. Additionally, you can take advantage of homemade sausage and sauce for extra flavor, making your pizza even more standout.

Operationally, double baking streamlines kitchen tasks and maintains consistency during peak hours. It also improves crispiness, making flatbreads and thin crusts particularly appealing. You can experiment with high-hydration dough to achieve the perfect crust, benefiting from the flexibility in your ingredient choices.

Nutritionally, opting for thin or whole wheat crusts can offer a better balance of nutrients. Whole wheat contains more fiber and vitamins, supporting a healthier diet overall. Remember, moderation is key. Enjoying your double crust pizza as part of a balanced diet can still allow you those satisfying cheesy bites.

Ultimately, whether you’re cooking for family or friends, creating a double crust pizza can be a rewarding experience, offering both convenience and delicious results. So, roll up your sleeves and start baking!

FAQ

In the case of making double crust pizza, you might’ve a few questions.

First, let’s talk about preparation time. You’ll need about 20 to 35 minutes to gather ingredients, with a total time of 30 to 40 minutes including baking. Remember, if you’re making homemade dough, set aside two hours for it to rise, and consider using cold fermentation for enhanced flavor.

Next, you might wonder about the oven temperature. Aim for a hot oven, between 400 and 500°F, and let your pizza bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake it until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

For the crust, you can use either premade or homemade dough. Choose suitable flour types like all-purpose or bread flour. Don’t forget the fresh yeast, which helps your dough rise; warm water will make a difference here too.

When assembling, first lay down one dough layer, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then cover it with a second layer of dough. Pinch the edges to seal well, then brush the top crust with olive oil.

Lastly, feel free to experiment with different cheese and toppings!