This pizza crust recipe started as the commercial recipe for the pizza shop in Lamoni, Iowa that fed the college students at Graceland. It was a local favorite and I was elated when the recipe made it’s way into my hands. It has been reduced in size to make 2 large pizzas (13-15 inches each) and then formulated into a mix.  We use fresh ground hard white whole wheat flour at our house, but white all-purpose flour yields results more like what you would expect from a restaurant. Half and half is a nice compromise :).

See my notes at the end for Gluten Free

Pizza Crust Mix

4 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 Tbs dry active yeast

2 Tbs sugar

In a quart  or gallon size baggie, combine the flour, salt, yeast and sugar.  To use pour the mix into a large bowl and add 1 2/3 cups warm water and 1 Tbs olive oil.  (If you use a gallon size baggie you can pour the water and oil right in and knead everything through the plastic. Knead until the dough comes together (I use a kitchen aid with a dough hook.)  Lightly oil the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes (up to an hour) to allow the gluten relax so you can roll it out.  You can add 1/2 tsp of basil, 1/4 tsp oregano and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder to the mix for an herbed dough.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Top the crust with pizza sauce (or marinara sauce), cheese, and then desired toppings.  before baking brush or mist the edges with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt and parmesean cheese.  Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is golden.

To make this gluten free, replace the flour cup for cup with gluten free all purpose flour that has xanthan gum in it.  Add 1 tsp of baking powder and when preparing the crust add an extra Tbs of olive oil. The crust will have a different texture and type of rise than gluten crust does, but it is good :).

Pizza Sauce Mix

1 ½ t garlic salt

2 t basil

1 tsp parsley

1/4 tsp oregano

dash black pepper

dash cayenne powder

To use combine mix with 1-6 oz can of tomato paste and 1/2 cup water.