Are you tired of the same old frozen or takeout pizzas that leave you feeling bloated and guilty? Look no further, because we have a delicious and healthy solution for all pizza lovers.
In this post, we will be sharing our tried and tested whole wheat pizza dough recipe that is not only easy to make but also nutritious.
Trust us, once you try this recipe, there’s no going back to the cardboard-like alternatives. So get your aprons ready and let’s dive into making the perfect base for your favorite toppings!
Ingredients Need For Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe
Start your wholesome pizza adventure with these nourishing ingredients for the ultimate whole-wheat pizza dough:
1. Whole wheat flour
2. Bread flour or all-purpose flour (optional for lighter crust)
3. Platinum yeast (or any active dry/instant yeast)
4. Warm water
5. Honey (or granulated sugar as a substitution)
6. Salt
7. Olive oil
8. Cornmeal (for dusting)
Each ingredient in this easy whole-wheat pizza dough recipe has a specific purpose that contributes to the final product. Whole wheat flour provides a robust, nutty flavor and a nutritious fiber boost that white flours lack.
If you prefer a lighter crust, bread flour or all-purpose flour can be used to achieve a softer texture while still incorporating some whole-grain goodness.
Yeast, either Platinum or other active dry/instant variants, is essential for the fermentation process, causing the dough to rise and develop its characteristic airy structure.
Warm water activates the yeast and hydrates the flour, allowing the gluten to form, which is vital for the dough’s elasticity.
Honey, or its substitute granulated sugar, is the food for yeast; it aids in the fermentation process and adds a slight sweetness to the dough.
Salt is crucial for flavor enhancement and also helps to strengthen the gluten network.
Olive oil enriches the dough, adding moisture and flavor while helping to tenderize the bread, and also assists in browning the crust.
Lastly, cornmeal isn’t mixed into the dough but is used instead for dusting. It provides a non-stick surface for the pizza to slide easily off the peel onto the baking stone or pan, and it contributes a slight crunch to the finished crust.
Essential Equipment For Whole Wheat Pizza Making
To ensure your whole wheat pizza recipe turns out flawlessly, it’s key to have the right equipment on hand for each step of the process.
1. Rolling Pin
To roll out your pizza dough evenly, a rolling pin will be your best friend. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy; just a sturdy, smooth roller that can help you achieve the desired thickness of your pizza base.
2. Pizza Stone Or Baking Sheet
A pizza stone absorbs moisture and retains heat, which helps in getting that beautifully crisp crust. If you don’t have one, a standard baking sheet or even a cast-iron pan can work in a pinch.
3. Pizza Peel
If you’re using a pizza stone, a peel helps transfer your pizza to and from the hot stone. Look for a peel with a large enough surface to fit your pizza and with a handle that’s long enough to keep your hands away from the heat.
4. Dough Scraper
A dough scraper is a versatile tool for cutting, lifting, and scraping dough off your work surface. It helps keep your workspace clean and makes handling dough a breeze.
5. Pastry Brush
For applying olive oil or any other toppings in a controlled and even manner, a pastry brush is a must-have. It’s also great for buttering or oiling your pans before baking.
6. Oven Thermometer
To make sure your oven is at the perfect temperature for baking your whole wheat pizza, an oven thermometer is crucial. This will help prevent an undercooked dough or burnt crust due to temperature inconsistencies.
With the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious homemade pizzas with confidence.
How To Make Whole Wheat Pizza Dough?
Let’s walk you through the homemade whole wheat pizza dough recipe that guides you to a perfect, crisp crust with a healthy twist.
Step 1: Preparing The Yeast Mixture
Begin by activating the yeast to ensure your pizza dough will rise properly.
In a large bowl, combine the warm water (make sure it’s not too hot or it will kill the yeast) with the honey and stir until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle the Platinum yeast over the surface and let it sit until it becomes foamy, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Mixing The Dough
Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the whole wheat flour and any additional bread flour or all-purpose flour into the yeast mixture. Next, pour in the olive oil and salt.
Combine everything until the mixture begins to form a dough. It’s time to get a little hands-on and knead the dough in the bowl until it just comes together.
Step 3: Kneading The Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes.
For an ideal texture, you’re aiming for dough that is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as you go.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl and place your dough inside. Turn the dough around in the bowl to coat it with oil.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 2 hours depending on the room temperature.
Step 5: Punching Down and Shaping
After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions if you’re making two pizzas, or keep it as is for one large pizza. Shape each portion into a round ball.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the shaped dough onto your prepared baking sheet or pizza stone, which should be dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Loosely cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes to an hour, until it puffs up.
Step 7: Preparing To Bake
Preheat your oven to the ideal baking temperature (usually around 475°F or 246°C). This is crucial as a hot oven will help to achieve a crisp and golden crust.
If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Step 8: Shaping The Pizza
On a lightly floured surface, take one ball of dough and start to flatten and stretch it into a 12-inch circle.
Lift the edges and pinch to create a raised rim. If the dough springs back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.
Step 9: Topping The Pizza
Place the dough onto your baker’s peel dusted with cornmeal or lined baking sheet. Brush the surface with olive oil to prevent the toppings from making the crust soggy.
Then, push down with your fingertips to create small dents in the dough to prevent it from bubbling. Add your preferred toppings.
Step 10: Baking The Pizza
Transfer the pizza to a hot pizza stone or insert the baking sheet into the oven. Allow it to cook for approximately 12 to 15 minutes until you notice the crust has turned a golden color and the cheese (should you choose to include it) appears melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly for a crispy crust. Slice and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade, nutritious whole-wheat pizza!
Several Tips For The Perfect Whole Wheat Crust
To achieve the perfect whole wheat crust, it’s essential to consider these expert baking tips that will elevate your homemade pizza to pizzeria quality.
1. Select The Right Flour
Look for stone-ground whole wheat flour, which tends to have more flavor and nutrients than more heavily processed varieties. The bran and germ within the flour not only add nutritional value but also contribute to a more robust taste.
2. Hydration Is Key
Whole wheat flour absorbs more water than white flour, so you may need to add extra water to your dough to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be tacky to the touch but not overly sticky.
3. Proper Gluten Development
Kneading the dough thoroughly is crucial for developing gluten, which will give your crust the necessary elasticity and structure.
Don’t rush the kneading process; good gluten development is essential for a perfect crust.
4. Give It Time To Ferment
Allowing the dough to ferment slowly in the refrigerator (cold fermentation) can improve the flavor and texture of your crust. Just remember to bring the dough to room temperature before baking.
5. Preheat Your Baking Surface
To emulate the environment of a professional pizza oven, preheat your pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help in achieving a crispy and evenly baked crust.
6. Monitor Oven Temperature
An oven that is too hot or too cool can ruin your pizza crust. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct baking temperature. The ideal temperature is usually between 450°F (232°C) and 475°F (246°C).
7. Let it Cool
Resist the temptation to cut into the pizza immediately after removing it from the oven. Letting it rest for a couple of minutes will help the crust to set and maintain its crispiness.
By following these baking tips, you’ll enhance the texture and flavor of your whole wheat pizza crust, ensuring each homemade pizza is as delightful as any artisan creation.
Whole Wheat Pizza Topping Suggestions
After mastering the whole wheat pizza dough recipe, the next step is to crown your creation with delicious toppings that complement the nutty, hearty flavor of the crust.
Here are some delectable suggestions:
1. Classic Margherita: A simple yet time-honored combination of ripe, thinly sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and whole basil leaves, finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
2. Veggie Delight: Top your crust with a colorful array of vegetables such as bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and black olives, along with a good helping of grated part-skim mozzarella cheese.
3. Mediterranean Feast: Spread a layer of pesto sauce over the dough, and add slices of grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese crumbles, and Kalamata olives.
4. BBQ Bonanza: Give a smoky twist to your pizza with BBQ sauce, shredded cooked chicken, red onions, cilantro, and a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese.
5. The Meat Lovers: For a protein-packed pie, add cooked and crumbled sausage, pepperoni slices, ham, and crispy bacon bits over a layer of your favorite pizza sauce and cheese.
6. Spicy Hawaiian: Upgrade the classic Hawaiian pizza by adding sliced jalapeños to the traditional combo of ham and pineapple, with plenty of melted mozzarella cheese.
7. Spinach & Goat Cheese: Create a pizza that’s bursting with freshness by adding sautéed spinach, crumbled goat cheese, minced garlic, and roasted pine nuts.
Always remember to pre-cook any raw meats and to sauté or roast vegetables that have high water content to avoid a soggy crust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey to a successful whole-wheat pizza begins with the mastery of the dough recipe. The satisfaction of biting into a slice of pizza that not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a healthier option is immeasurable.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this whole wheat pizza dough recipe is designed to guide you toward creating a delicious and nutritious feast that garners praise from all who taste it.
Embrace the process, savor the flavors, and let your homemade creation be the talk of the table.
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 2 cups stone-ground whole wheat flour
- 1 cup warm water (you may need more to achieve the right dough consistency)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (to help activate the yeast)
- Cornmeal or additional flour for dusting
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
- Create a hollow in the middle of the flour blend and pour in the yeast blend along with the olive oil.
- With clean hands or a dough hook attachment on your mixer, mix until a sticky dough begins to form.
- Place the dough on a surface dusted with flour and knead it for roughly 8 to 10 minutes until it reaches a smooth and stretchy texture. Adjust the dough's texture as necessary by adding more flour or water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then divide it into desired portions for individual pizzas.
- Shape the dough by gently stretching it into a circle, being careful not to roll it too thin.
- Place the shaped dough on a pizza stone or lined baking sheet and let it rest for an additional 10-20 minutes.
- After resting, top as desired and follow the baking instructions provided in the document to finish creating your perfect whole-wheat pizza.