Description
Transform your store-bought pizza crust into a gourmet experience with just a few strategic upgrades. From flavor-packed oils and cheeses to baking techniques that deliver the perfect texture, this guide helps you elevate even the most basic crust into a restaurant-worthy pizza night centerpiece.
Ingredients
1 store-bought pizza crust (par-baked, refrigerated, or shelf-stable)
2 tbsp olive oil or garlic-infused oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
¼ tsp flaky sea salt
2 tbsp grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
½ tsp mushroom or tomato powder (optional)
1 tsp nutritional yeast (optional)
¾ cup pizza sauce (enhanced or homemade)
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
¼ cup fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
2 tbsp grated sharp cheese (Parmesan, Pecorino, or feta)
Optional toppings: roasted vegetables, prosciutto, olives, fresh basil, caramelized onions, etc.
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 500°F (or as high as safely allowed). Place a pizza stone or steel inside if available.
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Prepare Crust Base: Brush the crust with olive oil or garlic-infused oil. Sprinkle the edges with oregano, basil, flaky salt, and cheese. Add mushroom powder or nutritional yeast if desired.
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Par-Bake Crust (Optional): Place the seasoned crust directly on the hot pizza stone or baking sheet for 3–5 minutes to crisp slightly before adding toppings.
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Sauce Layer: Spread the sauce evenly across the crust, leaving the rim uncovered.
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Cheese & Toppings: Add a base layer of mozzarella, followed by toppings of choice. Finish with torn fresh mozzarella and a final sprinkle of sharp cheese.
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Bake: Bake on the stone or steel for 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and browned.
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Broil Finish (Optional): Broil for 1–2 minutes to blister the cheese and char the edges slightly.
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Garnish & Serve: Finish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or chili oil, and slice with a sharp cutter.
Notes
Texture Tips: Use a hot pizza stone or cast iron pan for better heat retention.
Sauce Ideas: Swap red sauce for pesto, roasted red pepper spread, or garlic cream sauce.
Toppings to Try: Prosciutto, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, or fig slices with goat cheese for gourmet flair.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based cheese and brush with herb-infused olive oil.
Gluten-Free Crusts: Follow the same process, focusing on bold flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: improve store-bought pizza crust, premade pizza dough tips, elevate frozen pizza, best toppings for pizza, how to make pizza crust crispy, homemade flavor pizza hacks