Mastering Butter Crust Pizza: Tips & Toppings
Butter crust pizza has become a cornerstone of the pizza world, renowned for its rich flavor and perfectly tender yet crispy crust. This indulgence transforms the ordinary pizza experience into something spectacular, with the butter adding a luxurious depth that can't be matched by traditional crusts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet about 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup lukewarm water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Your choice of pizza toppings sauce, cheese, meats, vegetables, etc.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is frothy.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture to the flour.
- Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a bit more water.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
- Knead for about 7-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean cloth.
- Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the Oven:
- About 15 minutes before the dough is done rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
6. Shape the Pizza:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll or stretch the dough into your desired shape, about 12 inches in diameter for a traditional round pizza.
7. Add Toppings:
- Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.
- Spread a thin layer of your favorite pizza sauce over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add your choice of toppings, finishing with a generous amount of cheese.
8. Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) to your preheated oven or pizza stone.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade butter crust pizza!
