Family Favorite Pizza (Thick Crust)

A pizza with a thick chewy crust, that is crispy on the bottom.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 1 pizza

Ingredients

• Dough

• 3  cups bread flour, unbleached (unbleached all-purpose flour may be substituted)
• 1  teaspoon instant yeast
• 1  tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  tablespoon  powdered buttermilk (optional, for flavor only)
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons salt
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  cup  cool water (bottled is best, but tap will do)

• Other Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil (for greasing pan)
• 1⁄2 cup  marinara sauce (or your favorite pizza sauce)
• 2  teaspoons  italian seasoning, crushed
• 1  cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (your favorite blend of shredded pizza cheeses may be substituted)
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. **Add on to ingredients list: Your family's favorite pizza toppings (Meats should be fully cooked) If your family likes it on a pizza, then it should be on the pizza. :).
2. Mix all dough ingredients in a stand mixer (with dough hook) on low until dough ball starts to form. It should be soft and slightly sticky. If too dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time. Knead dough for about 5 minutes in mixer set on low. You can also knead by hand, but oil your hands and kneading surface first to prevent dough from sticking.
3. If using a bread machine, add all ingredients to pan and set on dough setting. Follow the appliance's directions for mixing/kneading.
4. Cover well, and let rise for 50 minutes. Lightly grease the inside of a resealable plastic bag. Add dough and seal bag, leaving room for the dough to expand. Place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours. (up to 36 hours) This will help the dough develop flavor.
5. Remove dough from refrigerator about an hour before starting pizza.
6. On an 18" X 13" baking sheet, drizzle and spread the 1 tablespoon olive oil. Remove dough from bag and spread dough into pan, getting it as close to the edges/corners as you can. I've found the best way to do this is to lightly oil your hands and spread by hand. If the dough insists on shrinking back, give it a few minutes to relax and try again. Cover, and let dough rise on baking sheet for about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450°F
7. Spread half of the sauce on the pizza, sprinkle with crushed Italian seasoning. Place pizza in hot oven and cook for 8 minutes. Remove pizza from oven (keep oven on) and spread remaining sauce (if desired) on top, then assemble pizza as desired with your favorite cheeses and toppings. Sprinkle Parmesan on top. Bake again for 12 to 15 minutes or until bottom of pizza crust is browned and cheese is melted to your likeness.