Homemade Pizza with Focaccia Crust

According to sources on the internet (Packaged Facts “The Pizza Market”), Americans spent more than $22 billion on pizza last year and 93% of us ate pizza at least once a month. That means we ate at least 23 pounds of pizza annually — individually! So why not keep your money and make your own pizza? Truthfully, we like our own humble homemade pizza far better than anything we’ve purchased in a pizzeria! I also find that it is a great way to get rid of leftovers!

Here’s how we make it:

Pizza Crust (also Focaccia Bread!):

• 6 cups bread flour
• 4 tsp. salt
• 3 Tbsp instant yeast
• 2 2/3 cups warm water
• 6 Tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• cornmeal
• Parmesan cheese and garlic salt
• Choice of toppings and sauce

Mix flour, salt, yeast, water, and 2 Tbsp of oil. Mix dough until pliable. Knead dough on floured surface until smooth. Place dough in oiled bowl. Cover with oiled plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled.

Coat two baking sheets with oil and dust with cornmeal. Divide dough. Gently press dough onto the baking sheets (1/2 inch thick or so).
For pizzas: brush with remaining oil on outside edge, sprinkle garlic salt & parmesan cheese on edge, brush with sauce & add your choice of toppings to center, cover toppings with cheese. Let rise a few minutes and bake for 10-15 minutes at 450 degrees.

For focaccia bread: make dimples in the dough with fingers and brush oil over entire surface of dough. Sprinkle rosemary leaves, cheese, and garlic salt (can add chopped onion and olives too) — then let rise 10-20 minutes and bake 25 minutes at 375 degrees. Serve with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for dipping.
For Mediterranean Pizza use Kalamata olives, spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, diced onion, capers, feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and grilled chicken. Top with mozzarella cheese. Use alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a fun twist but marinara tastes great, too.

For BBQ Chicken Pizza use chopped red onion, cooked & crumbled beef bacon, and grilled chicken. Top with cheddar cheese. Use sweet BBQ sauce instead of marinara.

See who tried this recipe!

My dear friend, Amanda, tried the focaccia and loved it. She uses the pizza recipe every Friday night at her house and is an outstanding cook! Thank you for sending this in for all of us to drool over!! When is dinner? Save us a seat!