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How to make premade pizza crust taste better? A golden-brown pizza crust brushed with herb oil, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs.

How to Make Store-Bought Pizza Crust Taste Homemade


  • Author: Alyssa
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large pizza (serves 2–4) 1x

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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 500°F (or as high as safely allowed). Place a pizza stone or steel inside if available.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Sauce Layer: Spread the sauce evenly across the crust, leaving the rim uncovered.

  5. 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.

  6. Bake: Bake on the stone or steel for 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and browned.

  7. Broil Finish (Optional): Broil for 1–2 minutes to blister the cheese and char the edges slightly.

  8. 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