While the toppings often get most of the attention, we all know what is really holding the pizza together…the crust. You can’t make great wine without great grapes, and you can’t make a great pizza without a great crust. Below are some quick pointers to help you make the perfect crust, and some fun crust variations and alternatives.

Crust Tips

Making a pizza crust from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Try out some of these pointers next time and master the crust with ease.

• Take your dough out of fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperate. This will make it easier to shape the dough and help the crust cook and crisp up quickly in the oven.
• Sprinkle the pan with cornmeal for the perfect crispy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
• Brush your crust with olive oil and garlic right before baking for extra flavor.
• Pizza peels (giant pizza spatulas) are a great tool for moving your uncooked pizza to the oven and retrieving your pizza after it is cooked.
• Pizza stones help your crust cook evenly and quickly.

Expand Your Crust Capabilities

There are so many different types of crusts to master, here are a few of our favorites to get you started!

Classic

• Bacon and Artichoke Pizza
• Chicken Pesto Pizza with Caramelized Onions
• Spicy Soppresatta and Olive Pizza

Thin Crust

• Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza
• Vegan Rainbow Pizza with Cornmeal Crust

Deep Dish

• BBQ Pork Deep Dish Pizza
• Cast Iron Sausage and Fennel Pizza

Gluten Free

• Eggplant Parmesan Pizza

Non-Traditional Crusts

Think outside of the pizza box with some of these fun alternatives to traditional pizza crusts.

Nearly any carb can be transformed into a pizza crust. Here are some ideas for when you don’t have time to make a crust from scratch:

• Bagels – mini or standard size
• Tortillas
• Pita Bread
• French Bread Rolls
• Naan

Veggie crusts can be a great healthy alternative to a standard crust, and when you add cheese and your favorite toppings, these pizzas are delicious too!

• Cauliflower Crust – Cauliflower is having a moment right now and pizza crusts are along for the ride! Most recipes call for a combination of cauliflower, eggs, cheese and spices to make a delicious grain-free pizza crust.
• Zucchini, Potato or Sweet Potato Crusts – Just slice the veggie of your choice into rounds and make mini personal pizzas!