A great pizza crust isn’t only about the dough—how you shape and prepare it before baking makes a big difference. This pizza crust pre-bake setup guide shows how to flatten the dough evenly, prevent bubbles, and keep the edges soft.
If you’re looking for a complete base from scratch, follow our best pizza dough recipe to prepare soft and elastic dough before shaping the crust.
Grease the Pan (So the Crust Doesn’t Stick)
Lightly oil the baking dish and spread it evenly. This helps release the crust cleanly after baking.
Shape the Dough Evenly
Stretch the dough slightly in your hands first, then press it out on the pan. Use your fingertips or a rolling pin, but avoid pressing all the air out of the edges if you want a soft rim.
Dock the Dough (Fork Pricks) to Prevent Bubbles
Prick the base with a fork everywhere except the edges. This stops the center from puffing up during baking.
Keep the Edges Soft
Brush a little oil only on the outer edge (not in the docked holes). This helps the rim stay soft and pleasant.
Pizza Crust Preparation Steps
Follow these simple steps for a soft, evenly baked pizza crust.
Thin Crust vs Thick Crust
- Thin crust: press it thinner, dock well, bake hotter/shorter.
- Thicker crust: press slightly thicker, dock lightly, bake a bit longer.
Once the crust is prepared, you can bake it using our pizza crust baking method in a pan when an oven is not available.
Add Toppings and Bake
Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake until the crust is set and the top is cooked.
This crust preparation method works for both pan-baked pizzas and oven-baked pizzas, including our chicken mince pizza recipe and creamy chicken pizza recipe.
FAQs – Pizza Crust Pre-Bake Setup
1) Why does pizza crust bubble in the middle?
Pizza crust bubbles when steam gets trapped under the dough during baking. Dock the dough by pricking the center with a fork (avoid the edges) to prevent bubbling.
2) Should I prick pizza dough before baking?
Yes. Pricking (docking) the dough helps stop the center from rising into air pockets, especially for thin-crust pizza.
3) How do I keep pizza crust edges soft?
Brush a little oil on the outer edge and avoid docking the rim. Also, don’t press all the air out of the edges when shaping.
4) How do I make pizza crust crispy on the bottom?
Bake on a fully preheated surface (stone/steel or hot tray) and use high heat. Avoid overloading the sauce and wet toppings that can make the crust soggy.
5) Do I need to pre-bake pizza crust?
Pre-baking helps if you use heavy or watery toppings or if your oven is not very hot. Bake the crust briefly until it looks set, then add toppings and finish baking.