Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

Nitty Gritty~~~ 

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast...I use Rapid Rise
• 1 teaspoon white sugar (To activate yeast)  Not 100% necessary if you use Rapid Rise Yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2- 2 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour  ( I personally cut the wheat down by 1/2 cup and add in 1/2 cup of Wheat Bran)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (Garlic Salt or Powder and other spices such as Basil can be substituted nicely here.) 

I preheat my convection oven to 425 degrees.  Use 450 degrees if you are using a non-convection.

Dissolve yeast packet into warm water, then add sugar to verify your yeast is active.  Let it stand for 5-10 minutes.  You should see the telltale bubbles to let you know it's ready for action.  =)

In a mixing bowl, pour in yeast.  Then add flour, oil, and salt(spices).  Using dough hook attachment, Beat/Knead for approximately 5 minutes or until dough pulls completely away from sides of mixing bowl.

Now, because I am trying to cook healthier alternatives for my family, I choose to split the dough in half to make 2 thin, but very ample crusts.  If you prefer a thick crust do not divide.

Divide crust, if desired and let rest 10-15 minutes for rising. 

Spray your baking stone or pizza pans with non stick cooking spray.  I use olive oil. 

Sprinkle a light dusting of cornmeal on the stone or pans, then shape dough into desired shape, or conform to pan.  Pierce the surface of the crust with the tines of a fork to ensure no bubbles or air pockets get trapped in your dough or crust while baking.  Flash bake your crust(s) for approx. 5 minutes to keep your dough from turning mushy once it has toppings on it. 

Now on to the fun part...

Top with your favorite stuff.

Here is just a small list of some of the things I have topped this crust with:

Sauces

Homemade Pesto, Homemade Alfredo, Homemade Skinny-Fredo, Diced tomatoes/Garlic/Basil, Fat Free Ranch Dressing, Salsa, Nutella or Pudding(for a dessert pizza).  This list continues to grow, as I continue to experiment!

Toppings

Fresh or Sundried Tomatoes

Garlic, Garlic, and More Garlic

Grilled Chicken

Bacon (Pork or Turkey)

Sausage(Pork, Turkey, and Venison)

Bell Peppers

Jalapenos/Pepperonici

Artichokes

Olives

Spinach

Potatoes...YES!  cooked, diced, or sliced POTATOES!

Pepperoni (Regular/Turkey)

Ground Beef

Squash/Zucchini

Red/Yellow Onion
Fresh Fruit for a dessert pizza!

This list also goes on and on...

Here's a Clucktacular  Favorite of mine:  Chicken Bacon Potato with Fat Free Ranch!

I hope you enjoy!  Please send me your favorite pizza ideas!  I would love to add them to my recipe box!