The Ultimate Costco Pizza Dough Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Secret to Making Costco-Style Pizza Dough at Home

To replicate the signature crust of Costco pizza dough, it’s essential to focus on the right ingredients and techniques. The key lies in using a combination of 240 g / 1 cup of warm water, 15 g / 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 10 g / 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. This mixture helps to create a crust that is both crispy and chewy.

The dough should be allowed to rise at a temperature of 24°C / 75°F for at least 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Then, shape the dough into desired forms and bake in a preheated oven at 230°C / 450°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

• Use a high-protein flour, such as bread flour, for a more authentic crust
• Allow the dough to rest for a longer period to develop a better flavor
• Pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings for a crisper base

Costco Pizza Dough Recipe Card

Craving Costco pizza but don’t want to leave the house? This recipe lets you recreate that signature dough at home. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for your next pizza night.

Ingredients:

• 500 g (3 1/2 cups) warm water (40°C/105°F)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1200 g (5 cups) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in olive oil and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough and divide in half. Shape each half into a ball and let rest for 10 minutes.
6. Roll out dough to your desired thickness and top with your favorite pizza ingredients.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 230°C (450°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Gather Your Ingredients: The Essential Components of Costco Pizza Dough

The success of our Costco pizza dough recipe lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 g) bread flour (preferably unbleached, all-purpose flour with a high protein content)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (make sure it’s fresh and not expired)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (around 37°C or 98°F)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)

Optional ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of your pizza crust:

• Optional:
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped fresh rosemary leaves for added depth
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder for a savory twist

Make sure to have all the ingredients at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will help the yeast activate properly and ensure a smooth dough-making process.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Costco Pizza Dough

To make a delicious homemade pizza using the Costco pizza dough recipe, follow these detailed instructions to mix, knead, and proof your dough, ensuring the perfect crust for your favorite toppings.

The key to a great pizza dough is in the details, from the temperature of the ingredients to the rising time and shaping technique. Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Combine 240 g / 1 cup of warm water (38°C / 100°F) and 7 g / 2 teaspoons of sugar in a large mixing bowl, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely.
2. Add 10 g / 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast to the warm water mixture, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes at 21°C / 70°F to activate the yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 375 g / 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 6 g / 1 teaspoon of salt, and 15 g / 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then gradually add this dry mixture to the yeast mixture, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes at a moderate pace, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, with a temperature of around 25°C / 77°F.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place at 24°C / 75°F for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 2-4 equal portions, depending on the desired pizza size, and shape each portion into a ball.
7. Let the dough balls rest for 10-15 minutes at 21°C / 70°F before shaping them into disks, using a gentle stretching and folding motion to form the crust.
8. Top the dough with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C / 425°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crust

For an authentic Costco pizza dough recipe experience, pay attention to the temperature and rising time, as these factors can significantly impact the final texture and flavor of the crust.

• Use a digital thermometer to ensure the water and dough are at the correct temperatures.
• Let the dough rise for the full recommended time to allow for proper fermentation and development of the gluten.
• Handle the dough gently when shaping to avoid over-working the gluten, which can lead to a tough crust.

By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious homemade pizza using the Costco pizza dough recipe that rivals your favorite store-bought or restaurant pizzas.

Pro Tips for Achieving the Perfect Costco-Style Crust

Costco’s pizza dough is legendary, but replicating that perfectly crisp crust at home doesn’t have to be a mystery. Here are some insider tips to help you nail it every time:

Handling the Dough

1. Don’t overwork it: Gently stretch and shape the dough. Overworking can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
2. Let it rest: After shaping, allow the dough to rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This relaxes the gluten and makes it easier to stretch.

Temperature Control

The oven temperature is crucial for achieving that signature Costco crunch.

• High heat is key: Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) for a crispy crust.
• Hot stone or baking steel: For optimal heat distribution, use a preheated pizza stone or baking steel.

Preventing Over-Proofing

Over-proofing can lead to a dough that’s too airy and collapses during baking.

• Watch the rise: The dough should double in size, but don’t let it rise for more than 1-2 hours.
• Cold storage: If you need to delay baking, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days.

Substitutions and Variations: Experimenting with Your Costco Pizza Dough

Want to mix things up with your Costco pizza dough? Try these creative substitutions and variations to give your homemade pizza a unique twist.

Flour Alternatives

• Replace all-purpose flour with bread flour (1:1 ratio) for a chewier crust.
• Try whole wheat flour (50% substitution) for added nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Use gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio) for a gluten-free crust, but note that texture may vary.

Herby Flavors

• Add fresh rosemary (2 tsp dried or 1 tbsp chopped fresh) for a classic Italian flavor.
• Infuse your dough with garlic powder (1 tsp) or minced garlic (1 tbsp) for an aromatic twist.

Topping Inspirations

• Load up on fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
• Add spicy pepperoni or meatballs for a meat-lovers pizza.

Remember, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment and find your perfect pizza combination.

Creative Variations: Taking Your Costco Pizza Dough to the Next Level

Elevate your homemade pizza game with these innovative Costco pizza dough variations. From classic combinations to bold twists, discover new flavors to tantalize your taste buds.

• Mediterranean Mash-Up: Top your pizza with 120 g / 1/2 cup of feta cheese, 120 g / 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, and 60 g / 1/4 cup of artichoke hearts. This variation adds a salty, savory flavor and requires an additional 5-7 minutes of baking time at 220°C / 425°F.
• Meat Lover’s Delight: Load up on 115 g / 4 oz of pepperoni, 115 g / 4 oz of sausage, and 60 g / 2 oz of bacon. This hearty combination increases cooking time by 10-12 minutes at 200°C / 400°F.
• Gourmet Garlic Shrimp: Combine 120 g / 1/2 cup of garlic-infused oil, 120 g / 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 115 g / 4 oz of succulent shrimp. This variation adds a rich, aromatic flavor and requires an additional 8-10 minutes of baking time at 220°C / 425°F.

Storing Your Costco Pizza Dough: Tips for Keeping it Fresh

Costco’s pizza dough is a game-changer for busy weeknights, but it’s important to store it correctly to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. Here’s a breakdown of the best methods:

Refrigerator Storage

For short-term storage (up to 3 days), keep your dough in the refrigerator.

1. Place the dough in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Store it on a shelf in the refrigerator, away from strong odors.

Pro Tip: Lightly flour the container or wrap to prevent sticking.

Freezing for Longer Enjoyment

Want to enjoy homemade pizza weeks from now? Freezing is your best bet.

1. Divide the dough into portions (if desired) and shape them into balls.
2. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
3. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Freezing Tip: Label and date the container for easy identification.

Thawing for Perfect Pizza

To thaw frozen dough, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. Or, for a quicker thaw, place the dough ball in a bowl of warm water for about 30 minutes.

Common Pitfall: Don’t thaw dough at room temperature, as this can encourage bacterial growth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Your Costco Pizza Dough

Making pizza dough from scratch can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not uncommon to encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and their fixes to help you achieve the perfect homemade pizza.

Over-Proofing:

• Problem: Over-proofing results in a flat, dense crust.
• Fix: Check your yeast levels and make sure the dough isn’t over-proofed (it should double in size within the recommended time). If you’ve already over-proofed, try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes to an hour to slow down the fermentation process.

Under-Proofing:

• Problem: Under-proofing results in a dense, tough crust.
• Fix: Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise (usually 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature). If you’re in a hurry, try using a preferment or a natural starter to speed up the process.

Dough Too Sticky or Too Dry:

• Problem: Dough that’s too sticky is difficult to shape, while dough that’s too dry is prone to cracking.
• Fix: Adjust the water content in the recipe (start with small increments of 10-20g at a time). For sticky dough, try adding a little more flour or letting it rest for a few minutes. For dry dough, add a small amount of water and knead until it comes together.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you encounter some issues initially. With time and experience, you’ll develop the skills to create the perfect homemade pizza crust.

Nutrition Information: The Calories and Macros of Your Homemade Pizza Dough

A serving of homemade pizza dough (approximately 85 g / 3 oz) contains around 220 calories, with 35 g / 1.2 oz of carbohydrates, 5 g / 0.2 oz of protein, and 7 g / 0.25 oz of fat.

• Calories per serving: 220
• Macronutrient breakdown: 35 g / 1.2 oz carbs, 5 g / 0.2 oz protein, 7 g / 0.25 oz fat

Note: This recipe is not Gluten-Free (GF), Dairy-Free (DF), or Vegan, as it includes wheat flour and may contain dairy products in some variations.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About Making Costco Pizza Dough

With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious, authentic Costco-style pizza dough in the comfort of your own kitchen.

• Use the right ingredients: High-protein flour, instant yeast, and a blend of salt and sugar are essential to achieving the perfect crust.
• Control the temperature: A warm environment, around 25°C (77°F), helps the yeast activate and the dough rise evenly.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together, then let it rest to prevent overworking the gluten.
• Let it rise: Give the dough plenty of time to rise, ideally 1-2 hours, to develop a light and airy texture.
• Shape and stretch: Gently shape the dough into a ball and stretch it into a circle or rectangle, depending on your pizza preference.

By following these key takeaways, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering, homemade pizza that rivals your favorite Costco pizza.

The Story Behind Our Costco Pizza Dough Recipe

This Costco Pizza Dough Recipe was inspired by the convenience and flavor of store-bought dough, but with a homemade twist. After experimenting with various combinations of ingredients and techniques, the perfect recipe was developed. The key to this recipe is using a high-protein flour, such as bread flour (240 g / 1 cup), and allowing the dough to rise at a warm temperature (24°C / 75°F) for an extended period.

Through trial and error, several tips and tricks were discovered to enhance the recipe. For example, using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment simplifies the mixing process, while not overworking the dough ensures a tender crust. Additionally, pre-baking the crust at 220°C / 425°F for a few minutes before adding toppings helps to achieve a crispy base.

• Use high-protein flour for a chewy crust
• Allow the dough to rise for at least 1 hour
• Pre-bake the crust for a crispy base

The Ultimate Costco Pizza Dough Recipe

Making your own pizza dough at home, especially with the help of this Costco pizza dough recipe, is a game-changer. Not only will you save money compared to buying pre-made dough, but you’ll also have complete control over the ingredients and flavors.

From classic tomato sauce and mozzarella to adventurous toppings like pesto and roasted vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Plus, there’s a real sense of satisfaction that comes with crafting something delicious from scratch.

Ready to give it a try? Follow this recipe and get ready to impress your taste buds. Want to explore other homemade pizza creations? Check out our collection of pizza recipes for more inspiration!