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As much as I love a good baking project, there are times when I just want pizza now. That’s where Pillsbury Pizza Crust swoops in like your favorite superhero. If you’ve ever stood in the refrigerated aisle at the grocery store holding that magical tube, you know the exciting potential it holds: a blank canvas for your creativity that’s ready to roll (literally), no fuss required.
Table of Contents
How to make Pillsbury Pizza Crust
Pillsbury Pizza Crust is a ready-to-bake refrigerated dough made by Pillsbury, designed to make homemade pizzas quickly and easily.
Ingredients Needed
To make the ultimate pizza using Pillsbury Pizza Crust, gather the following:
- 1 tube of Pillsbury Pizza Crust (Classic, Thin Crust, or Artisan – your choice)
- Pizza Sauce: ½ to 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Cheese: 1½ to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella (or your favorite cheese blend)
- Protein Toppings: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, cooked chicken, ham, or bacon bits
- Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, spinach, or any of your favorites
- Seasoning: A pinch of dried oregano, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Check the instructions on the Pillsbury Pizza Crust packaging for the recommended oven temperature. Typically, it’s 400°F (200°C) for most varieties. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet or pizza pan. You can lightly grease the pan or use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roll Out the Dough: Open the Pillsbury Pizza Crust tube carefully (watch for the pop!) and unroll the dough onto your prepared pan. Use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough to your desired thickness and to fit the size of the pan. For a thinner crust, roll it out further; for a thicker crust, leave it as is.
- Pre-Bake the Crust (Optional): Some people prefer to pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings. This helps prevent a soggy center. If you want to do this step, bake the dough for 5–7 minutes or until it starts to firm up slightly.
- Add the Sauce: Spread your pizza sauce evenly across the crust, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges for the “crusty rim.” Don’t overdo the sauce, as too much can make the pizza soggy.
- Layer the Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the cheese first so that it melts evenly across the pizza. Add your choice of toppings (meats, veggies, etc.), spreading them out so every slice has a good mix of flavors. Try not to overload the pizza—less is often more for perfectly cooked toppings.
- Bake the Pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake according to the time on the package (typically 8–12 minutes). Keep an eye on the pizza—it’s ready when the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the toppings are fully cooked.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute or two. Slice into pieces and serve warm. Add optional garnishes, like fresh basil or Parmesan, if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Get Creative with Flavors: Pillsbury Pizza Crust is incredibly versatile—experiment with BBQ sauce, Alfredo sauce, or pesto as a base instead of traditional marinara.
- Crispy Crust Hack: For extra crispiness, bake the pizza dough on a pre-heated pizza stone or place it directly on an oven rack (after shaping it on parchment paper).
- Watch Your Topping Balance: Avoid overloading the pizza with too much cheese or too many toppings, as this can weigh it down and keep it from cooking evenly.
- Add Fresh Herbs After Baking: If you’re using delicate herbs like basil or arugula, wait until after the pizza is baked to add them—they’ll retain more flavor and color.
- Save Time with Pre-Cooked Toppings: Cook any raw meats or watery vegetables (like mushrooms and spinach) beforehand to prevent undercooking or soggy pizza.
What to serve with
Pizza is already a crowd-pleaser, but pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level.
1. Fresh Salads
Pizza and salad are a classic combination! The freshness and crunch of a salad balance out the indulgence of cheesy, savory pizza. Try one of these options:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Caprese Salad: Layers of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Greek Salad: A zesty mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and red onions in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, served with the dressing of your choice.
2. Breadsticks or Dipping Bread
Breadsticks are a pizza night favorite, and they’re incredibly easy to make—especially using extra Pillsbury Pizza Crust!
- Garlic Breadsticks: Roll out extra pizza dough into strips, brush them with melted garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden brown.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Spread mozzarella cheese over rolled pizza dough, sprinkle with Italian herbs, and bake until golden brown. Serve with marinara for dipping.
- Dipping Options: Serve with ranch dressing, marinara, or a spicy garlic sauce for dipping.
Final Thoughts
With Pillsbury Pizza Crust, making homemade pizza is quick, fun, and endlessly customizable. It’s perfect for pizza nights with family, movie nights with friends, or when you’re simply craving fresh, hot pizza from your own oven.
More Pizza Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 tube of Pillsbury Pizza Crust
- Pizza Sauce: ½ to 1 cup
- Cheese: 1½ to 2 cups
- Protein Toppings: Pepperoni
- Veggies: Sliced mushrooms,
- Seasoning: A pinch of dried oregano
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Check the instructions on the Pillsbury Pizza Crust packaging for the recommended oven temperature. Typically, it's 400°F (200°C) for most varieties. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet or pizza pan. You can lightly grease the pan or use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roll Out the Dough: Open the Pillsbury Pizza Crust tube carefully (watch for the pop!) and unroll the dough onto your prepared pan. Use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough to your desired thickness and to fit the size of the pan. For a thinner crust, roll it out further; for a thicker crust, leave it as is.
- Pre-Bake the Crust (Optional): Some people prefer to pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings. This helps prevent a soggy center. If you want to do this step, bake the dough for 5–7 minutes or until it starts to firm up slightly.
- Add the Sauce: Spread your pizza sauce evenly across the crust, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges for the "crusty rim." Don’t overdo the sauce, as too much can make the pizza soggy.
- Layer the Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the cheese first so that it melts evenly across the pizza. Add your choice of toppings (meats, veggies, etc.), spreading them out so every slice has a good mix of flavors. Try not to overload the pizza—less is often more for perfectly cooked toppings.
- Bake the Pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake according to the time on the package (typically 8–12 minutes). Keep an eye on the pizza—it’s ready when the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the toppings are fully cooked.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute or two. Slice into pieces and serve warm. Add optional garnishes, like fresh basil or Parmesan, if desired.
