Garlic Bread (Stuffed Crust) Pizza

When I was typing the title to this post, the "z" key held giving me about 10 "z" letters instead of 2. This pizza is worthy of that many. Perhaps the keyboard was intentionally giving it a 10 "z" rating ... sort of like the computer equivalent of a 5-star rating?

Anyways, this is awesome. How Sweet It Is rarely disappoints me, and she came through with a real winner this time. The crust itself is sturdy enough to hold up to a myriad of toppings, yet still is soft and chewy inside. The garlic cheese coating gives the crust a fantastic crunch. I normally am not a crust person, but I would definitely make this recipe again just to turn it into breadsticks. (Not to mention I think it's my new default pizza crust, even without the garlic goodness.)

To make homemade pizza into stuffed crust pizza, follow the recipe instructions until you get to where you top the pizza. Line the edge of the dough with mozzarella whips or regular string cheese (typically halved or quartered lengthwise), and fold the dough over the cheese to form a nice edge to the pizza.

(Sorry for the image quality. All you get is a quick phone photo before we devoured it.)

Garlic Bread (Stuffed Crust) Pizza
1 1/8 cups warm water (100-105˚F)
3 tsp. active dry yeast
1 1/2 Tbsp. honey
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried basil
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, pressed or very finely minced
2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese

In a large bowl, combine water, yeast, honey and olive oil. Mix with a spoon, and then let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add in 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, garlic powder and dried basil, stirring with a spoon until the dough comes together but is still sticky. Using your hands, form the dough into a ball and work the additional 1/2 cup flour (as needed) into the dough, kneading it on a floured surface for a few minutes. Rub the same bowl with olive oil, and then place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a towel, and place in a warm place to rise for about 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375˚F. After the dough has risen, punch it down and place it back on the floured surface. Using a rolling pin or your hands, form it into your desired shape. Place the towel back over the dough, and let sit in the warm place for 10 minutes. While the dough is rising again, melt 3 Tbsp. butter. Mix it with the garlic and 1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese.

Bring the dough back out, and using a spoon or pastry brush, douse the outside edges with the butter and garlic mixture. You can spread the butter all over, but make sure to focus on the edges. Continue to make your pizza with your desired toppings. Bake the pizza for 23 to 25 minutes or until crust and cheese are both golden. While pizza is baking, melt remaining butter and combine with the last tablespoon of Parmesan.

Remove pizza from oven, and immediately brush the outside edges with Parmesan butter. Makes one delicious pizza.