Costco-Style Pizza

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Why Make This Recipe

Making Costco-Style Pizza at home can be a delightful experience. You get to enjoy the same great flavors that you would find at Costco, but with the added benefit of customizing it to your own taste. This recipe is perfect for families or gatherings, where everyone can personalize their slice. Plus, it’s a fun and engaging activity that can bring people together in the kitchen. Instead of just buying a pizza, you get to take part in the entire cooking process, which can be both rewarding and delicious.

Not only is it fulfilling to make a meal from scratch, but you can also control the ingredients. This means you can choose high-quality toppings, use less cheese if you prefer, or skip the meat for a vegetarian option. It’s a flexible dish that allows everyone to enjoy their favorite flavors without sacrificing taste or quality.

How to Make Costco-Style Pizza

Making Costco-Style Pizza is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide that breaks down the recipe into manageable steps.

Ingredients

To make your own Costco-Style Pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups enriched flour
1 cup warm water
1 packet yeast
Pinch of salt
Tomato pizza sauce
Cheese (approx. 25g per slice)
Pepperoni slices (for pepperoni version)
Vegetables (bell peppers, onions, olives for combo version)
Olive oil (~5g surface oil per slice)

Directions

Prepare the Dough: Start by mixing the enriched flour, warm water, yeast, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until combined. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for at least 1 hour in a warm environment. The dough should double in size.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven is crucial for achieving that crispy crust reminiscent of Costco’s pizza.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Move it to a floured surface again and roll it out to your desired thickness. Thinner dough will yield a crispier crust, while thicker dough will give you a chewier bite.
Add Sauce: After shaping the dough, transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking tray. Next, spread a generous amount of tomato pizza sauce over the surface of the dough, covering it evenly but leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese evenly across the pizza. Adjust the amount based on personal preference, but around 25g per slice gives that familiar cheesy flavor you crave.
Choose Your Toppings: Now it’s time to customize. If you’re making the pepperoni pizza, add a layer of pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. For a combo version, layer your choice of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and olives. Get creative, and don’t hesitate to use your favorite toppings!
Drizzle Olive Oil: To enhance the flavor of the crust and give it a nice golden color, brush the edges of the pizza with olive oil.
Bake the Pizza: Carefully place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the crust to turn golden brown, and the cheese to be bubbly and melted.
Cool and Slice: Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This cooling period helps to avoid burnt tongues and makes slicing easier. Use a pizza cutter to cut it into slices.
Serve Hot: Enjoy your fresh homemade Costco-style pizza right away! It’s best served hot, so gather everyone around, and dig in.

How to Serve Costco-Style Pizza

Serving Costco-Style Pizza can be just as enjoyable as making it. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

Family Style: Place the sliced pizza on a large platter or cutting board and let everyone help themselves. This creates a casual and inviting atmosphere.
With Dips: Serve with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a spicy marinara as dipping sauces. This adds an extra layer of flavor and fun to each bite.
Salad Side: Prepare a fresh salad to accompany the pizza. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the heavy pizza nicely and adds a refreshing crunch.
Beverages: Offer a range of drinks such as soda, iced tea, or even beer for adults. Pizza pairs well with many beverages, making it easy to cater to everyone’s preferences.

How to Store Costco-Style Pizza

If you end up with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store your Costco-Style Pizza easily:

Cool Down: Allow the pizza to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent sogginess.
Wrap: Wrap slices in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container. If using a container, add parchment paper between slices to keep them from sticking.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice well and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Costco-Style Pizza

To ensure your pizza comes out just right, consider these helpful tips:

Use Warm Water: Make sure the water is warm but not hot. Ideally, it should be around 110°F (43°C), which helps activate the yeast effectively.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead just enough to make it smooth. Over-kneading can lead to a tough crust.
Experiment with Thickness: Try different thicknesses for your crust. You may find you enjoy a thicker pan-style or a thinner New York-style pizza more.
Pre-Bake: If you prefer a really crispy bottom, you can pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings. This ensures it stays crisp even when loaded with toppings.
Use a Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it for an even better crust. Preheat the stone in the oven and place the pizza directly onto it for a more authentic finish.
Keep It Simple: Sometimes less is more. Stick to a few quality toppings rather than piling on too many.

Variations

While the traditional Costco-style pizza is delicious, there are several variations you can try to mix things up:

Veggie Supreme: Load it with a colorful array of veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, and zucchini for a healthier version.
BBQ Chicken: Replace the tomato sauce with BBQ sauce and top it with cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Buffalo Style: Add some spicy buffalo chicken on top of the cheese for a kick! Pair it with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Hawaiian: Top your pizza with ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combination.

FAQs

1. Can I use bread flour instead of enriched flour?
Yes, you can! Bread flour will give your pizza a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour will result in a softer crust.

2. How do I know when the pizza is done cooking?
The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly caramelized. You can also lift the edge with a spatula to check the bottom.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then refrigerate it. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

4. Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to follow specific recipes for gluten-free pizza dough, as they may require additional ingredients.

5. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes! If you’re short on time, using a pre-made pizza sauce can save effort while still tasting delicious. Just make sure to choose a brand that you enjoy.

This recipe for Costco-Style Pizza is easy to follow and produces a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings or sauces, and most importantly, have fun while cooking!