The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, enticing everyone with the sweet scent of warm goodness. Known primarily for making pancakes and biscuits, Bisquick can also be used to create a quick and easy pizza crust. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy homemade pizza without the lengthy process of making traditional dough from scratch. Let’s explore how to make pizza crust with Bisquick and delve into the history of this convenient baking mix.
The History of Bisquick
Bisquick was introduced by General Mills in 1931 as a pre-mixed baking solution for busy home cooks. The idea came from an executive who, after enjoying quick, freshly baked biscuits on a train, learned that the chef had pre-mixed the dry ingredients for efficiency. Inspired by this, General Mills developed Bisquick, a mix of flour, shortening, salt, and baking powder. It quickly became popular for its versatility and convenience, allowing people to easily make a variety of baked goods.
Over the years, Bisquick has been used for much more than just biscuits and pancakes. Its ability to create a quick dough has made it a favorite for recipes like dumplings, waffles, and even pizza crust. Today, Bisquick remains a beloved product in many households, prized for its ability to simplify home cooking.
Why Use Bisquick for Pizza Crust?
Using Bisquick to make pizza crust is a great option when you’re short on time or ingredients. Unlike traditional pizza dough, which requires yeast and time to rise, Bisquick dough is ready to use in just minutes. It also produces a crust that is slightly different from traditional pizza dough—more biscuit-like in texture, with a tender, flaky quality that many people enjoy.
Perfect for busy nights, pizza cravings, or kid-friendly cooking. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick mix
- ⅓ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added flavor)
- Additional Bisquick mix (for dusting)
Instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Get your pizza stone hot and ready in the oven. A crispy crust requires intense heat. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Bisquick mix and hot water. Stir until a soft dough forms. The hot water helps to quickly activate the ingredients, making the dough easier to handle.
- If desired, add the olive oil to the dough for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
- Lightly dust a clean surface with some additional Bisquick mix.
- Turn the dough out onto the surface and knead it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading helps to develop the dough’s structure, making it easier to roll out and giving it a better texture.
- Roll the dough out into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference, until it reaches your desired thickness. For a thicker crust, roll it out to about ¼ inch thick; for a thinner crust, roll it out to ⅛ inch.
- The shape and thickness of the crust are entirely up to you, making this recipe very customizable.
- Position the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a hot pizza stone.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust starts to turn golden brown. Pre-baking the crust ensures that it holds up well under the toppings and doesn’t become soggy.
- Remove the crust from the oven and add your favorite pizza toppings—sauce, cheese, and anything else you like. The possibilities are endless, from classic pepperoni to gourmet options like pesto and goat cheese.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the crust are golden brown.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the deliciously easy Bisquick pizza!
Why Bisquick Pizza Crust is a Great Option
- Time-Saving: Traditional pizza dough can take hours to prepare, especially with the need for rising time. Bisquick eliminates this step, allowing you to whip up a pizza in less than 30 minutes.
- Versatility: The Bisquick dough is versatile and can be flavored with herbs, garlic, or even cheese to create a crust that’s bursting with flavor. This flexibility makes it easy to customize your pizza to suit your tastes.
- Accessibility: Bisquick is widely available and easy to use, making this recipe accessible to cooks of all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, you can make a delicious pizza with minimal effort.
- Great for Kids: The simplicity of this recipe makes it a fun activity for kids. They can help mix the dough, roll it out, and add their favorite toppings, making it a great family cooking project.
Making pizza crust with Bisquick is a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade pizza without the hassle of traditional dough preparation. With its rich history and proven versatility, Bisquick provides a convenient solution for delicious, flaky pizza crusts that can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re pressed for time or just looking for a new way to enjoy pizza, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you’re in the mood for pizza, give Bisquick a try and experience the convenience and flavor it brings to your kitchen.