The Most Versatile Dough Ever (Breadsticks/Pizza Dough)

Rating: 5 stars
Prep Time: Minimal

This basic pizza dough recipe is adapted from the Betty Crocker cookbook. One batch, separated into two parts, makes two round pizzas. Or you can use all of the dough on a large rectangle pan to make delicious, fluffy breadsticks. The adaptability is endless—this recipe can be used for white pizza dough or wheat pizza dough, and the breadsticks are limited only by your imagination! Some of my favorite breadsticks: 1. All-white flour brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and fresh parmesan, baked till crispy and golden outside and white and fluffy inside (shown above.) 2. Half-wheat, half-white, brushed with butter and sprinkled with grated cheddar cheese (shown in the picture with the potato soup). You can also add your favorite combination of spices....something we do often!

Versatile Breadsticks/Pizza Dough

1 cup warm water
1 T yeast
1 t sugar

Combine these ingredients in medium-sized bowl. Let yeast sit for a minute to proof. Then add:

2 1/2 cups flour (sometimes it needs a little more, sometimes a little less)
1 t salt
2 T vegetable oil

Stir with one finger until flour is moistened and ingredients being to come together. Then use hands to knead dough into a smooth ball. Spray ball with vegetable oil spray, cover with a clean towel or napkin, and let stand at least 5 minutes. (Wheat dough takes longer to rise. Also, I usually raise the dough more for breadsticks than pizza, because I like thin pizza crust and fluffy breadsticks.)

For pizza: divide dough into 2 separate balls. Working dough gently with fingers, spread on 2 greased round pizza pans. Brush edges with olive oil. Top with desired toppings and bake at 425 for about 12 minutes.

For breadsticks: Working dough gently with fingers, spread dough on greased rectangular pan. Top as desired. Before baking, cut breadsticks in dough with pizza cutter. Bake at 425 for about 15 minutes.