Crust Seasoning?

[AustinSpartan]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but it's based on hungry howies flavored crusts. I'm wondering what people have done in the past to give the crust a little more flavor during or after the baking process. I was thinking about brushing the crust with some butter and then sprinkling on a mixture of kosher salt, garlic powder, kraft parmesan cheese and possibly some oregano. Other flavors might include sesame seed or cayenne. Does anyone else have a favorite crust seasoning that sets the crust apart from unflavored crust?

[Pete-zza]

AustinSpartan,

I personally don't add flavor additives to pizza dough but there are some people who use various herbs and onion and garlic powders in their doughs. However, onion and garlic powders used in excess can act as dough relaxants and result in an overly soft dough. As you perhaps know, Hungry Howie's applies its crust seasonings topically. So, a good place for you to look into for inspiration is the types of seasonings used to make breadsticks or garlic knots and the like. You might also take a look at the series of posts starting with Reply 2 at http://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,2416.msg21230.html#msg21230.

Since Domino's has recently gone to more seasonings on its pizza crusts, you can also check out their ingredients lists at http://www.dominos.com/home/menu/ingredients.jsp. For similar information from Pizza Hut, see http://www.pizzahut.com/Files/PDF/PIZZA%20HUT%20INGREDIENT%20STATEMENTS%202008.pdf. I have seen a list of the seasonings used by Papa John's on its breadsticks and can share that information with you if you are interested.

Peter

EDIT (4/20/13): For the Wayback Machine link to the above Pizza Hut pdf document, see http://web.archive.org/web/20100602083641/http://www.pizzahut.com/Files/PDF/PIZZA%20HUT%20INGREDIENT%20STATEMENTS%20September%202008.pdf

[Mad_Ernie]

I've used the pizza dough flavoring sold by King Arthur flour on occasion.  I think it's worth trying if you are into that sort of thing.

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/pizza-dough-flavor-4-oz

-ME

[AustinSpartan]

Not looking to season the actual dough, but more so add some flavor to the top after baking (or before). I agree with Pete, most breadstick toppings should be sufficient. Just need to get down the rations of each ingredient.

[Jackie Tran]

I have tried and added garlic powder to the dough itself and I didn't think it made the dough any better. 

I have however sprinkled garlic powder on the crust prior to baking and it was awesome!  I don't always do it though but when I do, It's always treat!  Just think bagel toppings.  Anything you see on a bagel, you can top on the crust.