The Secret to Our Perfect Pizza Crust

What makes a pizza truly exceptional? Many would argue it's all about the crust. At Freshslice, we've spent years perfecting our dough recipe to create that perfect balance of crispy exterior and chewy interior. Today, we're pulling back the curtain to share some of the secrets behind our famous pizza crust.

It Starts with Quality Ingredients

Great pizza crust begins with great ingredients. We use a special blend of high-quality flours that provide the perfect protein content for developing gluten. This gives our crust its distinctive chew and structure. We also use filtered water at precise temperatures to ensure consistent results and optimal yeast activation.

Our dough contains just a few simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of olive oil. We don't use artificial preservatives or dough conditioners—just the essentials needed to create exceptional pizza crust.

The Magic of Fermentation

Perhaps the most important secret to our crust is time. We give our dough a long, slow fermentation period that develops complex flavors and improves the texture. This process can take up to 48 hours for some of our specialty crusts.

During fermentation, the yeast consumes sugars in the flour and produces carbon dioxide (creating those beautiful air pockets) and alcohol (which evaporates during baking but leaves behind wonderful flavor compounds). The enzymes in the flour also break down starches into simpler sugars, which contributes to better browning and flavor development.

"Time is an ingredient that can't be replaced. When it comes to pizza dough, patience truly pays off in flavor." - Sarah Williams, Head Chef

The Right Temperature Matters

Temperature control is crucial at every stage of our dough-making process. We carefully monitor the temperature of our ingredients, our mixing environment, and our fermentation chambers. This precision ensures consistent results every single day, regardless of weather conditions or seasons.

When it comes to baking, our ovens are calibrated to reach the perfect temperature that achieves that ideal balance: a crust that's crispy on the outside but still tender inside. For our traditional pizzas, we aim for oven temperatures around 600°F (315°C).

Hand-Stretching Technique

While many large pizza chains use machines to press or roll out their dough, we train our pizza makers in the art of hand-stretching. This gentle technique preserves the air bubbles that develop during fermentation and maintains the integrity of the gluten structure.

The result is a crust with varied thickness and texture—slightly thicker at the edges for a satisfying outer crust and thin in the center to ensure even cooking. Hand-stretching also creates the distinctive look that tells you you're eating an authentic, artisan-style pizza.

Adapting to Canadian Conditions

One factor that makes our crust special is how we've adapted our recipes to work perfectly in the Canadian climate. Our various locations across Canada experience different humidity levels and altitudes, which can significantly affect dough behavior. We make subtle adjustments to our recipes at each location to ensure consistent quality regardless of where you enjoy your Freshslice pizza.

Try It for Yourself

While we can't share our exact recipe (some secrets need to stay in the kitchen!), these principles can help you improve your homemade pizza game. Remember that quality ingredients, proper fermentation time, temperature control, and gentle handling are the keys to great crust.

Of course, if you don't want to wait 48 hours for pizza, we've got you covered! Visit your nearest Freshslice location or order online to experience our perfect crust without the wait.