Hungry Howie's Ranch Crust Pizza features a signature buttery ranch-flavored crust topped with melted mozzarella cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and your choice of fresh toppings, delivering a savory and creamy pizza experience with every bite.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Dough mixer
- Dough cutter
- Rolling pin or dough sheeter
- Pizza screen or baking tray
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese grater (if needed)
- Ingredient containers
- Spatula or tongs
- Basting brush (for ranch crust)
- Pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 cup pizza sauce (zesty tomato sauce)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, etc.)
Freshness of ingredients significantly impacts the flavor and quality of your Hungry Howie's Ranch Crust Pizza. Using high-quality mozzarella cheese ensures a creamy melt and rich texture that complements the buttery ranch-flavored crust perfectly. The ranch seasoning mix blended with melted butter forms a unique crust base that sets this pizza apart and should be evenly spread for consistent flavor. When selecting toppings, opt for fresh vegetables and premium meats to enhance the overall taste profile. Your copycat Hungry Howie's Ranch Crust Pizza promises a savory, creamy delight with every bite, replicating the signature taste of the original restaurant favorite.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C).
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with ranch seasoning mix.
- Roll out pizza dough to desired size using rolling pin or dough sheeter.
- Transfer dough to pizza screen or baking tray.
- Brush the crust edge thoroughly with ranch butter mixture.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough, leaving the ranch-brushed edge exposed.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Add optional desired toppings evenly.
- Bake pizza in oven for 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove pizza from oven using pizza peel.
- Slice pizza with pizza cutter and serve hot.
Substitution
Hungry Howie's Ranch Crust Pizza offers a rich and creamy ranch-flavored crust that perfectly complements melted mozzarella and zesty tomato sauce. If ranch seasoning mix is unavailable, you can substitute with a blend of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley for a similar flavor. When prepping dough, using a rolling pin or dough sheeter will ensure an even crust thickness, but hand stretching works well if you're careful to avoid tearing. If you do not have a pizza oven, a conventional oven preheated to the highest temperature with a pizza stone or baking tray can achieve a crispy crust. Your choice of toppings can be customized freely, but be mindful to avoid overly watery vegetables to prevent sogginess on the pizza.
Tips
For best results, make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling it out, as cold dough can be difficult to shape and may tear. When brushing the ranch butter mixture on the crust, apply a generous and even coat to enhance flavor and achieve a crispy, golden edge. Avoid overloading your pizza with too many toppings to prevent sogginess and ensure even cooking. Your mozzarella cheese should be shredded finely to melt uniformly and create that perfect gooey texture.
Nutritions
Hungry Howie's Ranch Crust Pizza provides approximately 300-350 calories per slice, depending on toppings, with mozzarella cheese contributing a good source of calcium and protein. The buttery ranch-flavored crust adds saturated fat and sodium, which are important to monitor if managing intake. Tomato sauce offers antioxidants like lycopene, supporting heart health, while fresh vegetable toppings can increase fiber and vitamin content. Your choice of toppings allows customization for a balanced meal aligned with your nutritional goals.
Storage
To store leftover Hungry Howie's Ranch Crust Pizza, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. You can refrigerate the wrapped pizza for up to 3-4 days, ensuring your slices stay fresh and flavorful. When ready to eat, reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melted cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute the ranch seasoning mix with garlic and herb seasoning to give your crust a more robust flavor profile. You can also swap the zesty tomato sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce to create a richer, dairy-forward base. Experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar or provolone for added depth. When baking, consider using a pizza stone instead of a tray to achieve a crispier crust.
Allergies
Hungry Howie's Ranch Crust Pizza may pose allergy risks due to its key ingredients such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and butter, and gluten from the pizza dough. Those with sensitivities to dairy, wheat, or specific vegetables like onions or bell peppers should carefully review the toppings you choose. Cross-contamination with common allergens like soy or nuts might also be a concern, so always check ingredient labels and preparation methods.
Why this recipe?
Hungry Howie's Ranch Crust Pizza menu attracts fans with its unique blend of flavorful ranch seasoning infused directly into the pizza crust, enhancing every bite with a savory twist. This distinctive feature sets it apart from typical pizza options, making it a favorite among customers who crave bold, creamy ranch flavor paired with classic toppings. You'll find it worth trying to make a copycat version at home because replicating the ranch-infused crust allows you to customize toppings while enjoying the signature taste that Hungry Howie's delivers. Mastering this recipe gives you the satisfaction of a restaurant-quality pizza with personalized flair, perfect for sharing or indulging anytime.