Have you ever wondered what to make with pizza dough? Do you ever find yourself with leftover pizza dough in your fridge and no idea what to do with it? You’ve come to the right place.
While pizza might seem like its main calling card, pizza dough can serve as the foundation for so many other delicious dishes besides your standard pie. Today we’re exploring fun and easy recipes you can whip up using pizza dough.
No matter what your taste preferences are – savory, cheesy, sweet, or combo – we guarantee there is a pizza dough dish that will satisfy your craving. Let’s get started!
What To Make With Pizza Dough?
As we mentioned, from savory to sweet, there are endless possibilities for using pizza dough in your cooking. Here are some ideas for what you can make with pizza dough:
1. Flatbread
To make flatbread using pizza dough, start by rolling out your dough into a thin, flat shape. Then, brush it with olive oil and sprinkle on your desired seasoning.
You can use anything from classic Italian herbs to za’atar or curry powder for a unique flavor twist.
Next, add your toppings of choice. You can go the traditional route and top your flatbread with tomato sauce, cheese, and veggies, or get creative with your combinations.
Once you have your toppings on, bake the flatbread in the oven at 425°F for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Slice it up and enjoy your homemade flatbread creation!
2. Crunchy Crackers
Crackers are another popular snack that can easily be made using pizza dough.
To make your crunchy crackers, roll out the dough into a thin layer and cut it into small squares or circles.
Then, brush the pieces with olive oil and sprinkle on your desired seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Bake the crackers in the oven at 425°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they are crispy and lightly golden.
Once they cool down, you can store them in an airtight container for a delicious and easy snack to enjoy anytime.
3. Empanadas
Pizza dough can be used as a substitute for traditional empanada dough, making it an easy and convenient option.
To make empanadas using pizza dough, roll out the dough into a thin layer and cut it into circles. Then, place your desired filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
Brush the empanadas with an egg wash for a golden brown crust, then bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes. Serve them hot and enjoy your homemade empanadas.
4. Cast Iron Dinner Rolls
Craving some warm, fluffy dinner rolls but don’t have time to make them from scratch? Pizza dough can save the day!
To make cast iron dinner rolls using pizza dough, simply roll out small balls of dough and place them in a greased cast iron skillet.
Let the dough rise for about 30 minutes, then bake it in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle on some sea salt for added flavor. Serve them as a side dish with your favorite meal.
5. Stromboli
To make stromboli at home, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangular shape.
Then, add your desired fillings on one end of the dough. You can use anything from sliced deli meats to roasted veggies and shredded cheese.
Roll the dough tightly over the filling and pinch the edges to seal it. Brush an egg wash over the top for a shiny finish, then bake in the oven at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving your delicious stromboli creation.
6. Cinnamon Rolls
To make cinnamon rolls using pizza dough, start by rolling out the dough into a rectangle. Then, spread melted butter over the dough and sprinkle on a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then cut it into equal-sized rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. While they’re still warm, drizzle on some icing made with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls for a delicious and cozy breakfast treat.
7. Breadsticks
Breadsticks are a popular appetizer or side dish that can easily be made at home using pizza dough. Roll out your dough into long, thin strips, brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle on some Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
Twist the strips and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the oven at 425°F for about 12 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
8. Garlic Knots
Similar to breadsticks, garlic knots are another delicious appetizer or side dish that can be made using pizza dough.
Roll out your dough into small balls and tie them into knots. Then, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle on a mixture of garlic powder, Italian herbs, and parmesan cheese.
Bake the knots in the oven at 425°F for about 10 to 12 minutes or until they are golden brown. Serve them warm and enjoy their delicious garlic and herb flavor.
9. Pizza Pockets
If you’re looking for a convenient and tasty meal to take on the go, pizza pockets made with pizza dough are the perfect solution. Roll out your dough into small circles and place your desired filling in the center of each one.
Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal it. Brush with an egg wash for a golden brown crust, then bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until the pockets are cooked through.
These portable pizza pockets make for a convenient and tasty meal.
10. Baguette
Pizza dough can also be transformed into a delicious homemade baguette.
Simply shape the dough into a long, thin loaf and let it rise for about 30 minutes. Then, bake it in the oven at 450°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Slice it up and serve it with your favorite dip or spread, such as hummus or garlic butter. This homemade baguette is perfect for sandwiches or to accompany a cheese platter.
11. Doughnuts
To make doughnuts using pizza dough, roll out the dough into small circles and use a cookie cutter or lid to create a hole in the center.
Fry the doughnuts in hot oil until they are golden brown on both sides. Then, coat them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon while they are still warm.
These homemade doughnuts are a fun and unique twist on the traditional breakfast treat.
Alternatively, you can also bake the doughnuts in the oven at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes for a healthier option.
12. Calzones
Calzones are essentially folded pizzas, and they can easily be made at home using pizza dough.
Roll out your dough into a circle and add your desired fillings on one half of the dough. Then, fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together to seal it.
Brush with an egg wash for a golden brown crust, then bake at 375°F for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the calzone is cooked through. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your homemade calzone.
How Long Does Pizza Dough Last?
Surely you have chosen your favorite dishes to answer the question of what to make with pizza dough. But if you’re not planning on using your pizza dough right away, it’s important to know how long it will last.
1. At Room Temperature
Typically, pizza dough can last at room temperature for about 2 hours before it starts to lose its quality. After this time frame, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
When using pizza dough at room temperature, you should keep it covered with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
You can also lightly oil the surface of the dough to maintain its moisture and elasticity.
2. In The Fridge
Pizza dough can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before it starts to lose its freshness.
When storing pizza dough in the fridge, you have to keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
If you are using store-bought dough, make sure to follow any specific storage instructions on the package.
For homemade dough, it’s best to use it within 3 days for the best results.
3. In The Freezer
Pizza dough can also be stored in the freezer for longer periods. This is especially helpful if you want to make larger batches of dough ahead of time and save them for future use.
When storing pizza dough in the freezer, you may wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. This will prevent freezer burn and keep the dough fresh.
When you’re ready to use the frozen dough, it’s best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature and using it according to your recipe.
Freezing pizza dough for longer than 3 months is not recommended as it may start to lose its original texture and flavor.
So now you know the time pizza dough will last with different storage ways and also know clearly what you can make with pizza dough.
Get creative and try out one of these delicious dishes using pizza dough for your next meal or gathering. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, there are endless possibilities with this versatile ingredient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of what to make with pizza dough showcases the versatility of this simple yet transformative ingredient. Beyond the confines of traditional pizza-making, the adaptability of pizza dough invites creativity into the kitchen.
From savory delights like calzones, stromboli, and garlic knots to sweet indulgences such as dessert pizzas and cinnamon rolls, the potential for culinary exploration is boundless.
This culinary journey not only transforms a basic staple into a star ingredient but also inspires individuals to experiment, innovate, and savor the joys of crafting delicious meals from the simplicity of pizza dough.