Make a crispy cracker crust pizza at home. Easy step-by-step recipe for thin, crunchy pizza crust with simple ingredients.
Cracker Crust Pizza Crust Recipe
Pizza is one of those foods that everyone in the USA connects with. Some people like their pizza thick and chewy, while others love it thin, crisp, and almost cracker-like. If you fall into the second group, you are going to love this cracker crust pizza crust recipe. It is light, crisp, and crunchy, and it holds up perfectly to any toppings you like.
On Make Me Eat, I enjoy sharing recipes that are simple, tasty, and approachable. When I first tried making a cracker thin pizza crust recipe, I was surprised at how easy it was. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and you can make it right in your kitchen, even if you’ve never made pizza dough before.
This article will guide you step by step through making your own cracker crust pizza dough recipe, along with tips, tricks, and answers to common questions. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to bake the crispiest pizza your family has ever tasted.
What is Cracker Pizza Crust?
A cracker pizza crust is a style of pizza crust that is rolled out very thin until it is almost like a cracker. When baked, it becomes crispy and crunchy instead of soft and chewy. It’s the opposite of a deep dish or pan pizza.
This kind of crust is especially popular in the Midwest, with cities like St. Louis being known for their cracker thin pizza crust recipe. The pizza slices are often cut into squares instead of traditional triangles, which is a fun and casual way to share with friends and family.
The Secret to a Crispy Pizza Crust
Many people wonder why their pizza crust doesn’t get crispy. The secret lies in three things:
- Thin dough – Roll the dough out as thin as you can without tearing it.
- High heat – Bake your pizza at a high temperature, usually 450°F to 500°F.
- Minimal moisture – Don’t overload your crust with watery toppings like fresh tomatoes unless you pat them dry first.
Adding a touch of olive oil to the dough also helps, since olive oil contributes to a crisp texture.
Ingredients You Need for Cracker Crust Pizza Dough Recipe
Making this cracker crust pizza crust recipe does not require many ingredients. In fact, you probably already have most of them in your pantry.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (yes, plain flour works great for this recipe)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water (around 110°F)
That’s it. Just a few pantry staples, and you’re ready to create your pizza cracker crust recipe.
Step-by-Step Cracker Pizza Crust Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir well so everything is evenly blended.
Step 2: Add Olive Oil and Water
Pour in the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a rough dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny splash more water.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. You don’t need to knead it as long as traditional bread dough.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll thin.
Step 5: Roll Out Thin
Take half of the dough and roll it out on parchment paper. Keep rolling until it’s very thin, almost like a cracker. This is the key to a proper thin cracker pizza crust recipe.
Step 6: Pre-Bake (Optional but Recommended)
Slide the dough with parchment onto a pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for about 5 minutes. This step helps firm up the crust before adding toppings.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Spread pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite halal toppings. Classic choices include mozzarella, chicken, mushrooms, olives, onions, or peppers.
Step 8: Bake to Crisp Perfection
Return the pizza to the oven and bake another 8–10 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp. Slice into squares, just like they do in the Midwest, and enjoy.
Tips to Make Pizza More Crispy
- Use a pizza stone if you have one. It absorbs moisture and creates an even crispier bottom.
- Avoid heavy or watery toppings. Too much sauce can soften the crust.
- Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking. This helps it brown beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracker Crust Pizza
1. What is cracker crust pizza?
Cracker crust pizza is a pizza made with very thin dough that bakes up crispy like a cracker. It’s light, crunchy, and often cut into squares.
2. What are the types of crust in pizza?
Common types of pizza crust include thin crust, thick crust, pan pizza, stuffed crust, Neapolitan, New York style, and cracker crust. Each has its own texture and flavor.
3. What city is known for cracker crust pizza?
St. Louis, Missouri is one of the most famous cities for cracker crust pizza. They often serve it with Provel cheese and cut it into small squares.
4. What is the secret to good pizza crust?
The secret is a balance of the right ingredients, proper kneading, rolling the dough thin, and baking at a high temperature. Olive oil also helps create a crispy finish.
5. Can I freeze thin crust pizza dough?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just divide the dough into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight.
6. Why doesn’t my pizza crust get crispy?
Usually, the oven is not hot enough or there’s too much moisture on the dough from sauce or toppings. Make sure to bake at a high temperature and use less watery toppings.
7. Does olive oil make pizza crispy?
Yes, olive oil helps create a crispier crust by preventing the dough from absorbing too much moisture during baking. It also adds flavor.
8. How to make a pizza super crispy?
Roll the dough as thin as possible, pre-bake the crust, and use a pizza stone or steel. Also, don’t overload with toppings.
Variations of Cracker Thin Pizza Crust Recipe
One of the best things about this cracker crust recipe pizza is how flexible it is. You can make:
- Classic cheese pizza – Just sauce and mozzarella.
- Veggie pizza – Load up with bell peppers, onions, spinach, and mushrooms.
- BBQ chicken pizza – Use BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, and red onions.
- White pizza – Skip the tomato sauce and use olive oil, garlic, and ricotta with mozzarella.
For a fun dinner night, you can even let everyone roll their own mini pizzas using the same cracker thin pizza crust recipe.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftover pizza, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, place slices directly on the oven rack at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. This will crisp it back up instead of making it soggy like the microwave does.
Serving Ideas
Cracker crust pizza goes well with fresh salad, garlic bread, or even a side of fries. If you’re planning a casual dinner night, pair it with this Best Easy Homemade Hamburger Recipe from Make Me Eat. Pizza and burgers together make for a classic American comfort meal.
Final Thoughts
This cracker crust pizza crust recipe is one of my personal favorites because it delivers that crunchy bite every time. It’s simple, family-friendly, and perfect for a weekend pizza night.
If you’ve only tried thick crust or pan pizza before, give this thin cracker pizza crust recipe a shot. It might just become your new go-to. Remember, the key is to roll it thin, bake it hot, and keep the toppings simple.
Try this cracker crust pizza recipe the next time you’re craving something different, and let Make Me Eat be your guide to more easy and tasty homemade recipes.