Pizza is a universally beloved dish, and for many, DiGiorno’s rising crust pizzas have become a household favorite. Their appeal lies in the convenience of a frozen meal combined with the satisfaction of a freshly baked pizza. But what if you could recreate that experience in your own kitchen? This guide will walk you through crafting a homemade DiGiorno-style pizza, capturing the essence of its signature rising crust and rich flavors.
Table of Contents
Wondering how to make the perfect DiGiorno pizza? Here’s your guide!
Making the perfect DiGiorno-style pizza begins with the dough. The key to achieving that signature rising crust is ensuring the dough is prepared and handled with care. Follow these steps for pizza perfection:
- Start with Active Yeast: Active yeast is the backbone of the dough. It’s essential to let the yeast activate properly by mixing it with warm water and a touch of sugar. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the Dough Until Smooth: Once the ingredients come together, knead the dough on a floured surface for at least 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step builds the gluten, giving the dough its chewy, airy texture.
- Allow for Proper Rising: After kneading, place the dough in a warm area to rise for 1-2 hours. This will allow the dough to expand and develop flavor. Don’t rush this step, as it’s crucial for achieving that thick, risen crust.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: A pre-bake of 4-5 minutes ensures that the crust remains airy and prevents sogginess once the toppings are added. This step is key for replicating that crispy yet soft texture.
- Finish with Perfect Toppings: Whether you prefer classic cheese, pepperoni, or a variety of toppings, be sure to evenly distribute them across the pizza. Don’t overload the pizza with toppings; balance is essential for an even bake.
Once baked, the result should be a crispy, golden brown crust with a bubbly, cheesy topping. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing to achieve cleaner cuts.
What Ingredients Are in DiGiorno Pizza?
DiGiorno pizzas are known for their quality ingredients, which work together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients typically found in a DiGiorno frozen pizza:
- Dough: DiGiorno’s rising crust is made from high-quality wheat flour, yeast, water, sugar, and olive oil. The yeast provides the dough with its characteristic rise.
- Tomato Sauce: DiGiorno uses a rich tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and a variety of seasonings like oregano and basil.
- Cheese: The mozzarella cheese used in DiGiorno pizzas is often combined with other cheeses, like provolone or cheddar, for a creamy and melty texture.
- Toppings: DiGiorno offers a wide variety of pizzas with various toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, and more. The toppings vary by pizza type but always feature fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Seasoning: DiGiorno’s pizzas are seasoned with classic Italian herbs like oregano and basil, adding depth and flavor to the pizza.
By using fresh ingredients and carefully balancing flavors, DiGiorno has created a pizza that can rival pizzeria-style pies right in your own home.
Why Are DiGiorno Pizzas So Good?
DiGiorno pizzas have built a loyal fanbase, and their popularity can be attributed to several factors that make them stand out from other frozen pizza brands:
- Rising Crust: The signature rising crust is a major factor in DiGiorno’s success. It’s soft and chewy on the inside while crispy on the outside, providing a satisfying texture that mimics fresh pizzeria dough.
- High-Quality Ingredients: DiGiorno’s commitment to using high-quality cheese, rich tomato sauce, and flavorful toppings is another reason their pizzas stand out. Unlike many frozen pizzas, DiGiorno does not compromise on taste.
- Convenience: DiGiorno pizzas are incredibly convenient. Just preheat your oven, bake, and enjoy. The time saved without sacrificing flavor is a huge selling point for busy households.
- Flavor Profile: DiGiorno carefully balances the richness of the cheese, the tanginess of the tomato sauce, and the seasoning in their pizzas. This creates a harmonious flavor profile that is loved by many.
Their attention to detail in crafting each pizza from dough to toppings ensures that every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
How to Make DiGiorno Pizza More Crispy?
Achieving the perfect crispy pizza crust, like DiGiorno’s, requires a few key techniques:
- Preheat the Oven Properly: Ensure that your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature (usually around 450°F or 230°C). A hot oven is essential for crisping the crust.
- Use a Pizza Stone or Baking Steel: A pizza stone or baking steel retains heat and distributes it evenly, helping to crisp the crust. Place the stone in the oven while it preheats for best results.
- Par-Bake the Crust: As mentioned earlier, par-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings will help ensure that the dough stays crisp throughout the cooking process.
- Use a Thin Layer of Sauce: A heavy layer of sauce can make the crust soggy. Use a thin layer to prevent this.
- Bake the Pizza at the Right Time: Keep an eye on your pizza during the final bake. Overcooking can burn the toppings, while undercooking can lead to a soggy crust. Aim for a golden brown, crispy edge.
- Brush the Crust with Olive Oil: Before baking, brush the edge of the crust with olive oil for a golden and crispy texture.
By following these steps, you’ll have a pizza that rivals any pizzeria with a crust that’s crispy, yet tender.
How Long Is Pizza Dough Good for in the Fridge?
Pizza dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. If you plan to store dough for longer periods, consider freezing it. Here’s what you need to know:
- Refrigerated Dough: After kneading, store the dough in an airtight container or a bowl covered with plastic wrap. The dough will continue to rise slowly in the fridge, allowing for a more flavorful crust. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
- Frozen Dough: If you’re not using the dough within 3-5 days, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, shape the dough into a ball, coat it lightly with olive oil, and wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it.
Keeping dough in the fridge allows it to develop flavor over time, creating a more complex and enjoyable crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Homemade DiGiorno-Style Pizza
To replicate a DiGiorno-style pizza, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Assorted toppings of your choice (pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Dough:
- Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit until frothy.
- Mix the yeast mixture with olive oil, salt, and flour, then knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 20 minutes.
Shaping and Par-Baking the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Shape the dough into a 12-inch circle and par-bake for 4-5 minutes.
Assembling the Pizza:
- Spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings.
Final Baking:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips for Success
- Use bread flour for a chewy, crispy texture.
- Let the dough rise longer for a richer flavor.
- Par-bake the crust for a crisp base.
- Experiment with different toppings for variety.
Exploring Variations
- Meat Lover’s Pizza: Combine cooked sausage, bacon, and pepperoni.
- Vegetarian: Use bell peppers, onions, and olives.
- BBQ Chicken: Swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce and add cooked chicken.
Storing and Reheating
- Freezing: Freeze the dough or assembled pizzas for future use.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover pizza in the oven for best results.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of homemade DiGiorno-style pizza typically contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the secret to a DiGiorno-style crust? The secret lies in the rising dough, which puffs up during baking for that airy texture.
- Can I make DiGiorno pizza ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pizza and refrigerate or freeze it before baking.
- How do I store leftover pizza? Store pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can make a DiGiorno-style pizza that’s as delicious and satisfying as the frozen version, but with the added bonus of freshness. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques, and you’ll be able to craft the perfect pizza every time. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the pizza.