Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving pizza but dreading the yeast-based dough? Then get ready to fall in love with this Pie Crust Pizza recipe! It's a simple, quick, and surprisingly delicious way to enjoy pizza night, even on busy weeknights. This recipe uses readily available pie crusts, making it an incredibly easy recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. It’s a healthy meal option that can be easily customized to suit everyone's taste, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying homemade meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Prepare the crust: Unroll one pie crust onto the prepared baking sheet. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times to prevent bubbling. This step is crucial for a perfectly crisp base.
Add the sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pie crust, leaving about a 1/2-inch border.
Layer the cheese: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Add your toppings: Arrange your favorite pizza toppings over the cheese. Don't overload! Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Pie Crust Pizza:
- Blind baking: For an extra crispy crust, consider blind baking the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. This involves pre-baking the crust with parchment paper and pie weights to prevent it from puffing up.
- Pre-cook toppings: To prevent soggy pizza, pre-cook any watery toppings like mushrooms or onions before adding them to the pizza.
- Cheese choice: Experiment with different types of cheese! Provolone, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses can add a delightful twist.
- Herb infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary to your pizza sauce for extra flavor.
Variations:
- White pizza: Skip the pizza sauce and use a creamy pesto base instead. Top with mozzarella, roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and top with cooked chicken, red onions, and mozzarella cheese.
- Vegetarian Delight: Load up on your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and olives for a healthy and flavorful vegetarian pizza.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-450
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy pie crust pizza recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a fun family activity. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy this delicious and versatile dish. Let us know in the comments how you customized your pie crust pizza!