Restaurant-Style Pizza

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 30 min.

Makes

4-6 servings

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
In an effort to copy the flavor of a popular restaurant pizza, I came up with my own crust recipe. The dough is so easy to work with and turns out every time.—Kay Isaac, Stacyville, Iowa

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 package (1/4 ounces) active dry yeast
  • 1-1/3 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon shortening
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • Cornmeal
  • Olive oil
  • 1 jar (14 ounces) spaghetti sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. In a bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in water. Add butter, shortening, salt and 2 cups flour; mix until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  2. Punch dough down. Sprinkle cornmeal into a greased 14-in. pizza pan. Press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Brush with oil.
  3. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes. Spread spaghetti sauce over crust. Top with beef and cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
For a crispier pizza crust, sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese under the sauce and toppings. The bottom layer of cheese serves as a buffer between the crust and moist toppings.