Pizza is one of the most preferred dishes worldwide that is cherished by all age groups. It is one such food that we can never get enough of, which sometimes results in leftover pizza dough that we do not know what to do with. Often, while making pizza, we end up with too much dough that we cannot use at once or maybe we wish to save some for later. Hence, knowing what to do with leftover pizza dough is essential to avoid wastage and get the most value for your money.
In this article, we will explore some creative and exciting ways to use the remaining pizza dough. Whether it’s for a quick snack, a sweet treat or a savory meal, there are tons of ideas to make with leftover pizza dough that you might have never thought of before. So, let’s dive into the world of dough and explore the numerous possibilities of what can be done with too much pizza dough.
Creative ways to use leftover pizza dough
Are you left with extra pizza dough after making a delicious homemade pizza? Don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of creative ways to use leftover pizza dough that will have you enjoying something new and exciting in no time.
One option is to make breadsticks. Roll out the dough and cut it into thin sticks. Brush with butter, sprinkle with garlic powder or parmesan cheese, and bake until golden brown. Another tasty suggestion is to make calzones or turnovers. Fill the dough with your favorite pizza toppings, fold it over, and bake until crispy. You could even use the dough to make bite-sized pizza rolls, or cinnamon sugar twists for a sweet treat. With a little imagination and creativity, the possibilities are endless! So next time you have leftover pizza dough, try out some of these ideas and enjoy a delicious and unique snack.
How to freeze pizza dough for later use
Freezing pizza dough is a great way to save time and effort when you’re making pizza in the future. The process is simple and straightforward, and it can help you make tasty pizza without having to start from scratch each time.
To freeze pizza dough, start by dividing the dough into individual portions, based on the size of the pizzas you want to make. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to label them with the date and type of dough. Then, place the wrapped dough portions in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal the bag. Finally, place the bag in the freezer and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use the dough, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, or at room temperature for a few hours, before shaping, topping, and baking it as usual. With this method, you can have fresh homemade pizza ready to eat in no time!
Savory and sweet pizza dough recipe ideas
Pizza dough is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make both savory and sweet dishes. Savory pizza dough recipe ideas include calzones, stromboli, and bread sticks. Calzones are essentially a folded-over pizza that is filled with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and various toppings. Stromboli is similar to calzones but is rolled up like a log and sliced into pieces. Breadsticks are a popular side dish for pizza and are made by rolling out pizza dough into long strips, seasoning them with herbs and garlic, and baking them in the oven until crispy.
Sweet pizza dough recipe ideas include dessert pizzas and cinnamon rolls. Dessert pizzas are a fun and creative way to use up leftover pizza dough. The options for toppings are endless and can range from fresh fruit to chocolate and peanut butter. Cinnamon rolls are a classic sweet treat that can be made using pizza dough. Simply roll out the dough, spread cinnamon-sugar filling on top, roll it up, slice it into rolls, and bake it in the oven. With these savory and sweet pizza dough recipe ideas, you can make the most out of your excess pizza dough and create delicious meals in the process.
Making breadsticks and garlic knots with excess dough
If you have too much pizza dough left over, don’t worry because you can easily make some delicious breadsticks or garlic knots with it. Both of these options are perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish to your next pasta meal.
To make breadsticks, simply roll out the excess dough into long, thin strips and sprinkle with your favorite toppings such as Parmesan cheese or garlic powder. Bake them in the oven until golden brown and serve with marinara sauce or olive oil for dipping. For garlic knots, take small pieces of the dough and roll them into a knot shape before brushing with melted butter and garlic. Again, bake them until golden brown and serve with ranch dressing or your favorite tomato sauce. These savory treats are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for using up any leftover pizza dough.
Using pizza dough for dessert recipes
Using pizza dough in a dessert recipe is a creative way to use up any extra dough you may have. One of the most popular dessert recipes using pizza dough is cinnamon sugar pizza. To make, simply roll out your dough into a large circle, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar, and bake until crispy. This sweet and easy treat is great for sharing with friends and family.
Another popular dessert using pizza dough is apple turnover pizza. Roll out your dough into a rectangle and top with sliced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Fold the dough over to create a turnover, then bake until the crust is golden brown. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience. These dessert recipes are great for using up extra dough and satisfying your sweet tooth at the same time.
Ideas for making thin-crust or deep-dish pizza variations
If you have too much pizza dough, don’t let it go to waste – let’s explore how you can create thin-crust or deep-dish pizza variations. Thin-crust pizzas are known for their crispy and crunchy crusts, and you can achieve this by rolling out the dough to create a thin crust. You can add your favorite toppings, such as classic tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and veggies, but you can also get creative and experiment with BBQ sauce, pesto, or alfredo sauce. Don’t forget to add some protein, like chicken or sausage, to make it more filling.
On the other hand, deep-dish pizzas are for those who love a thick and doughy crust. You can use a large cake tin or cast-iron skillet to create a deep-dish pizza. Fill the dough with your preferred toppings and then cover with a layer of cheese. You can also add some tomatoes and basil on top for a refreshing taste. Remember to bake the pizza on a lower temperature for a longer time to ensure it is cooked thoroughly and reaches its maximum potential. By using these techniques and utilizing your leftover dough, you can create a variety of delicious and unique pizzas that will surprise your family and amaze your friends.
Tips for storing, preserving, and reheating pizza dough.
To avoid wasting pizza dough, it is essential to know how to store and preserve it properly. One way is to put the dough in a plastic container or bag and store it in the freezer. Place them in a sealed container or bag with a little flour to prevent them from sticking together. By doing this, you can store pizza dough for up to three months. When you’re ready to use the dough, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is reheating the dough. Preheat the oven to 450°F. For best results, stretch the dough, put it on a baking sheet, and bake it for 6-8 minutes. It will be crispy and delicious, ready for your favorite toppings. Alternatively, you can shape the dough like a pretzel, brush it with melted butter, sprinkle some cheese, garlic, and herbs on top, and bake it until golden brown. With these simple tips, you can ensure that your excess pizza dough doesn’t go to waste, and you can enjoy delicious homemade pizza anytime you want!
The Bottom Line
There are several creative ways to use up extra pizza dough beyond just making more pizzas. From turning the dough into breadsticks or calzones to using it as a base for grilled cheese or breakfast sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. Even sweet treats like cinnamon rolls or fruit tarts can be made with pizza dough.
Don’t let extra dough go to waste! With a little bit of creativity, you can turn it into something new and delicious. So the next time you find yourself with too much pizza dough, consider trying out one of these fun and tasty alternatives.
