Cheesy Pizza Crust

Cheesy Pizza Crust

2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoons Italian seasoning

2 1/4 tsp yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup water

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons cornmeal

4 string cheese sticks

Directions: In a bowl, combine 2-1/2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, yeast, sugar and salt. In a saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°*. Add to the dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle cornmeal over a greased 14-in. pizza pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15-in. circle. Transfer to prepared pan, letting dough drape over the edge. Cut string cheese in fourths lengthwise; place around edge of pan. Fold dough over string cheese; pinch to seal. Prick dough thoroughly with a fork. Bake at 375° for 5 minutes. Top as desired and bake 18-20 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Yield: 8 slices. 

*I skip this step. My tap water is always warm enough to get the yeast going. But you may want to use a thermometer to make sure your water heater gets the water warm enough before you dump.