Master The Art Of Making Your Own Part Baked Pizza Base

Are you craving a homemade pizza but don't have the time or energy to make the dough from scratch? Well, we've got the perfect solution for you – part baked pizza bases! These pre-prepared bases are a game-changer in the kitchen, allowing you to whip up delicious pizzas in no time. In this guide, we'll show you the step-by-step process of how to make the most of these convenient pizza bases, ensuring a crispy and flavorful result every time. So, grab your ingredients and let's get started on your pizza-making adventure!

Ingredients for making part baked pizza base

Part baking a pizza base is a great way to have a ready-made crust for homemade pizzas. It allows you to have a freshly made base without having to go through the entire process of making and baking the pizza from scratch. If you're considering making a part baked pizza base at home, here are the ingredients you'll need:

Flour:

Start by using high-quality all-purpose flour, as it provides a good texture and taste to the pizza base. You'll need around 2 cups of flour to make four medium-sized pizza bases. You may use bread flour if you prefer a slightly chewier crust.

Yeast:

Active dry yeast is perfect for making pizza bases. It helps the dough rise and gives it a light, airy texture. You'll need around 1 tablespoon of yeast to activate the dough. Be sure to proof the yeast by mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough. This ensures that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.

Salt:

Salt adds flavor to the pizza base. Use around 1-2 teaspoons of salt to enhance the taste. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference. Mixing the salt with the flour before adding the wet ingredients will help distribute it evenly.

Water:

Water is crucial for making the dough. You'll need around 1 cup of lukewarm water to activate the yeast and bring the dough together. Lukewarm water helps the yeast activate faster but should not be too hot as it can kill the yeast.

Olive oil:

Olive oil adds a subtle flavor to the pizza base and helps keep it moist. You'll need around 2 tablespoons of olive oil to incorporate into the dough. Additionally, brushing the edges of the part-baked pizza base with olive oil before the final bake can help achieve a golden and crisp crust.

To make the part baked pizza base:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix them together to distribute the salt evenly.
• In a separate small bowl, mix the yeast with lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
• Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the olive oil.
• Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
• Once the dough comes together, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Divide the dough into four equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until they double in size.
• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during the rising time.
• After the dough has doubled in size, gently press down each ball to flatten it slightly. This will help prevent large air bubbles from forming during baking.
• At this point, you can choose to par-bake or fully bake the pizza bases. For part-baking, bake the flattened bases in the preheated oven for about 7-8 minutes until they are slightly golden and have puffed up. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Now you have part-baked pizza bases ready to be used anytime for a quick and delicious homemade pizza. When you're ready to make pizza, simply top the bases with your favorite ingredients and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

Steps to prepare the pizza dough

Making pizza dough from scratch is a great way to ensure a fresh and delicious base for your favorite toppings. While it may seem daunting, preparing the dough can be quite simple if you follow a few basic steps. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process from activating the yeast to letting the dough rise.

Activate the yeast:

Yeast is a crucial ingredient in pizza dough as it helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy. To activate the yeast, start by dissolving 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water. The water should be around 110°F (43°C), as water that is too hot can kill the yeast. Sprinkle 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast over the water and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. After this time, the yeast should be foamy, which indicates that it is activated and ready to go.

Mix the dry ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional). Mix these dry ingredients together well with a whisk or a fork. The salt and garlic powder add flavor to the dough, but you can omit them if you prefer a plain crust.

Gradually add water and olive oil:

Once the yeast is activated, create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture. Add 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Continue mixing until a rough dough forms and all the flour is hydrated.

Knead the dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading it. Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, resulting in a stretchy and elastic texture. Fold the dough in half and push it away from you with the heel of your hand. Give the dough a quarter turn and repeat the process, adding more flour if necessary to prevent sticking. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and springs back when lightly pressed with a finger.

Let it rise:

After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. The optimal temperature for yeast activity is around 80°F (27°C). If your kitchen is cooler, you can heat your oven to the lowest temperature, then turn it off and place the covered bowl inside.

By following these steps, you'll be able to prepare the perfect pizza dough. Once your dough has risen, you can proceed to stretch it, add your favorite toppings, and bake it in a hot oven for a delicious homemade pizza. Enjoy your culinary creation and impress your family and friends with a delectably fresh and flavorful pizza made from scratch!

Preparing the part baked pizza base

Divide the dough into balls:

• Start by lightly flouring a clean surface or a large cutting board.
• Take the part baked pizza dough out of its packaging and place it on the floured surface.
• Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, cut the dough into equal-sized portions. The size will depend on your preference and the desired size of the pizzas you want to make. Typically, you can divide the dough into 2-4 balls for personal-sized pizzas or into one large ball for a family-sized pizza.
• Gently shape each portion of dough into a ball by tucking the edges under and rolling it between your hands. This will help create a smooth and round shape.

Roll out the dough:

• Take one portion of the dough ball and place it on the floured surface.
• Start by pressing the dough down with your fingertips to flatten it slightly.
• Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out from the center towards the edges, applying gentle pressure. Rotate the dough occasionally to ensure it rolls out evenly.
• Continue rolling until you reach your desired thickness. Thinner crusts will be crisper, while thicker crusts will be softer.
• If the dough starts to shrink back, let it rest for a few minutes, allowing the gluten to relax before continuing to roll.

Pre-bake the base for a few minutes:

• Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature according to the package instructions.
• Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet or a pizza stone.
• Place the base in the preheated oven and bake for a few minutes (refer to package instructions for exact cooking time). This technique, known as par-baking, helps to ensure a crispy crust and prevents the toppings from making the base soggy.
• Keep an eye on the base while it is pre-baking to make sure it doesn't burn. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if needed.

Allow the base to cool:

• Once the pre-baking time is completed, carefully remove the base from the oven using oven mitts or a heat-resistant spatula.
• Place the pre-baked base on a wire rack or a clean surface to cool. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate and prevent the base from becoming too soggy when the toppings are added.
• Let the base cool for at least 5-10 minutes before proceeding to add your desired toppings and returning it to the oven for the final bake.

By following these steps, you will have a perfectly prepared part baked pizza base ready to be transformed into your favorite homemade pizza creation. Whether you prefer classic margherita, meat lover's, or a flavorful vegetarian pizza, the base will provide an excellent foundation for your culinary masterpiece. Enjoy the creativity and deliciousness of homemade pizza with the convenience of a part baked pizza base.

Storing the part baked pizza base

As pizza lovers, we understand the importance of having a fresh and tasty pizza base when it comes to creating the perfect pizza. Sometimes, however, we find ourselves with a surplus of part-baked pizza bases that we want to save for future use. So how do we store these bases to ensure they stay fresh and delicious?

The first step in storing your part-baked pizza base is to wrap it properly. You have two options: cling film or foil. Whichever you choose, make sure the base is tightly wrapped to prevent any air from entering and drying it out. Wrapping the base also helps to retain its moisture, ensuring a soft and chewy texture when you decide to use it.

Once wrapped, it is essential to store the part-baked pizza base in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps to slow down any potential microbial growth, keeping the base fresh for longer. We recommend placing it on a shelf rather than in the door to maintain a consistent temperature. Always check your refrigerator's temperature to ensure it is set correctly, around 4°C to 5°C (39°F to 41°F), as this is the optimal temperature for storing most foods.

Now that your part-baked pizza base is safely stored in the refrigerator, it's important to know how long you can keep it. Although refrigeration extends the base's shelf life, it is best to use it within a few days. This ensures maximum freshness and taste. Remember to place the base in an airtight container or resealable bag if you prefer extra protection.

When you're ready to use your stored part-baked pizza base, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows it to thaw and ensures even cooking. You can then top it with your favorite ingredients and bake it in a preheated oven as per the original instructions.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your stored part-baked pizza bases remain fresh and deliver the same deliciousness as if you had just bought them. So go ahead and stock up on your favorite pizza bases, knowing that you can enjoy a perfect homemade pizza any time you desire. Happy baking!

Frequently asked questions