Pizza dough is just as easy as homemade bread and well worth the effort. Top this thick crust with a good sauce and your favorite toppings.

Deep Dish Pizza Crust

1 cup warm water, 105°F to 115°F (40°C to 45°C)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast or 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 cups all-purpose flour

1. Combine warm water, oil and yeast; fold in flour and mix thoroughly. Roll into a ball; place in an oiled bowl and let rise in refrigerator overnight.
2. Bring to room temperature before putting it in the pizza pan. Coat a deep-dish pizza pan with oil or cooking spray. Spread dough evenly around bottom and sides of pan. Cover with a cloth and let rise for 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Remove cloth and cover dough with preferred pizza toppings. Bake until crust is brown on the edges, 30 to 40 minutes.
4. Cut into wedges and serve at once.

Makes 8 servings.