If you love pizza but dread the time and effort it takes to make dough from scratch, Bisquick is your new best friend. This versatile baking mix makes creating a tasty pizza crust quick, easy, and foolproof. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make pizza dough with Bisquick, share some handy tips, and inspire you to customize your pizza just the way you like it.
Why Use Bisquick for Pizza Dough?
Bisquick is a pre-mixed blend of flour, shortening, salt, and leavening agents. It’s designed to simplify baking, so you don’t have to measure out multiple ingredients or wait hours for dough to rise. Using Bisquick for pizza dough means:
– Less prep time: Mix and roll out your dough in minutes.
– No yeast needed: No need to wait for rising-Bisquick’s baking powder does the work.
– Soft yet crispy crust: The crust comes out tender inside with a nice golden crunch outside.
– Kid-friendly: Easy enough to get the whole family involved in pizza night fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list to get started:
– 1 ½ to 1 ⅔ cups Bisquick mix
– About ½ to ⅔ cup warm water (between 105°F and 115°F)
– 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil
– Optional: ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor
– Optional: Salt to taste (if your Bisquick isn’t salted enough)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bisquick Pizza Dough
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick mix with warm water and olive oil. Stir with a dough whisk or spoon until the dough comes together and clears the sides of the bowl. If you want, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder for a flavor boost.
2. Let the Dough Rest
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 20 minutes. This rest time helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll out and stretch without shrinking back.
3. Knead and Roll Out
Lightly flour a flat surface and sprinkle a bit of flour on top of the dough. Knead the dough gently for about 15 seconds to tighten it up. Then, use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a circle about 12 to 14 inches wide and roughly ¼ inch thick.
4. Pre-Bake the Crust
Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or a pizza stone (if you have one) lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for about 5 minutes. This step helps the crust set so it won’t get soggy once you add toppings.
5. Add Your Favorite Toppings
Take the partially baked crust out of the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Add cheese, veggies, meats, or whatever toppings you love.
6. Bake Until Golden
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10 to 18 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Bisquick Pizza Dough
– Use warm water: The water should be warm but not hot to activate the leavening properly and create a soft crust.
– Rest the dough: Don’t skip the resting step; it makes rolling easier and improves texture.
– Parchment paper is your friend: Rolling out dough on parchment makes transferring it to the oven hassle-free.
– Get creative with toppings: From classic pepperoni to fresh veggies or even pineapple, Bisquick dough pairs well with all kinds of flavors.
– Try flavoring the dough: Mix in dried herbs or garlic powder for an extra tasty crust.
– Brush with olive oil or butter: Before baking, brushing the crust edges with olive oil or melted butter adds a golden shine and crispness.
Variations to Try
– Stromboli or Calzones: Use the dough to make folded pizzas filled with cheese and meats.
– Thin crust: Roll the dough thinner for a crispier crust.
– Personal pizzas: Divide the dough into smaller portions for individual-sized pizzas.
– Gluten-free option: While Bisquick itself contains gluten, you can experiment with gluten-free baking mixes designed for similar results.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy People and Families
Bisquick pizza dough is a lifesaver when you want homemade pizza fast. It cuts down on prep time, eliminates the need for yeast, and still delivers a delicious crust kids and adults love. Plus, it’s a fun way to get everyone involved in dinner prep-each person can customize their own pizza with their favorite toppings, making mealtime interactive and enjoyable.
Making pizza dough with Bisquick is a smart shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a fresh, homemade pizza ready faster than delivery. So grab your Bisquick, warm up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a tasty pizza night made easy!