18" Pizza
"Big, floppy, loaded with cheese, and impossibly cheap to make at home — the food court pizza dough that launched a thousand lunch runs, now in your kitchen."
Costco Copycat — This is a homemade version of the Costco Food Court item. See it in store →
The Game Plan
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**Make the dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Pour in the warm water and 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
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Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7–8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
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Shape into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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About 30 minutes into the rise, place your largest baking sheet (or a pizza stone if you have one) in the oven and preheat to 500°F (or as high as your oven goes).
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**Shape the pizza:** Punch down the dough. On a piece of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal, press and stretch the dough into a large rectangle or round — aim for 16–18 inches. If it springs back, let it rest 5 minutes and try again.
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Drizzle the surface with 2 tbsp olive oil. Spread the pizza sauce evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Pile on the mozzarella — don't be shy, Costco doesn't hold back and neither should you. Arrange pepperoni slices on top.
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Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment) onto the hot baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden, the cheese is bubbly with brown spots, and the bottom is crisp.
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Let cool for 3–5 minutes before slicing. Cut into 8 large slices.
