What Can I Bake With Pizza Dough?

Pizza dough is one of the most versatile and delicious ingredients you can have in your kitchen. While pizza is an all-time favorite, there are many other ways to use pizza dough to create delicious and satisfying meals.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a more elaborate dish, there are plenty of options to explore. In this article, we’ll share some of the best ways to use pizza dough and give you inspiration for your next culinary adventure.

Pizza Dough

Basic Pizza Dough Recipe

Before we dive into the different ways to use pizza dough, let’s start with a basic recipe that you can use as a starting point for all the recipes below.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil and stir until the dough comes together.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
  5. Let the dough rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and use it as needed for your desired recipe.

Appetizers and Snacks

Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are a simple and delicious snack that you can make with pizza dough. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving with a bowl of soup or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch of pizza dough
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Divide the pizza dough into 16-20 equal pieces and roll each piece into a rope.
  3. Tie each rope into a knot and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the minced garlic.
  5. Brush the garlic butter onto each knot and sprinkle with parsley, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Pizza Rolls

Pizza rolls are a fun and easy way to enjoy pizza on the go. You can fill them with your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch of pizza dough
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, etc.)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
  3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
  4. Sprinkle the cheese and your favorite toppings over the sauce.
  5. Roll up the dough tightly, starting at one end.
  6. Cut the roll into 1-inch slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Breadsticks

Breadsticks are a classic appetizer that pair perfectly with marinara sauce or ranch dressing. They’re easy to make with pizza dough and can be customized with different seasonings and toppings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch of pizza dough
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
  3. Brush the melted butter over the dough and sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into thin strips.
  5. Twist each strip and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Main Courses

Calzones

Calzones are like folded pizzas that are stuffed with your favorite ingredients. They’re a fun and delicious way to mix up your pizza routine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch of pizza dough
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, etc.)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle.
  3. Spread the pizza sauce over half of the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
  4. Sprinkle the cheese and your favorite toppings over the sauce.
  5. Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings and pinch the edges to seal.
  6. Use a knife to make a few small slits on top of the calzone to let steam escape.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the calzone is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Stromboli

Stromboli is a rolled pizza that’s filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch of pizza dough
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked and crumbled sausage
  • 1 cup chopped peppers and onions

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
  3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
  4. Sprinkle the cheese, sausage, and vegetables over the sauce.
  5. Roll up the dough tightly, starting at one end.
  6. Cut a few small slits in the top of the stromboli to let steam escape.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Focaccia

Focaccia is a flatbread that’s made with pizza dough and topped with herbs and seasonings. It’s a great side dish for soup or salad, or can be used as a sandwich bread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch of pizza dough
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
  3. Brush the olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Use your fingers to press dimples into the dough all over.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy.

Desserts

Cinnamon Sugar Knots

Cinnamon sugar knots are a sweet and satisfying dessert that’s easy to make with pizza dough. They’re perfect for a quick and easy treat that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch of pizza dough
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
  3. Brush the melted butter over the dough.
  4. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the dough.
  5. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips.
  6. Tie each strip into a knot and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is a fun and colorful dessert that’s perfect for a party or gathering. It’s made with a sugar cookie crust and topped with cream cheese frosting and your favorite fruits.

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch of sugar cookie dough
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Your favorite fruits, sliced (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, etc.)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Roll out the sugar cookie dough into a large circle.
  3. Bake the cookie crust for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  4. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
  5. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookie crust.
  6. Arrange the sliced fruit on top of the frosting.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for these recipes?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you don’t want to make your own.

How do I make my pizza dough rise faster?

You can place the dough in a warm, humid area or use a proofing box to speed up the rising process.

Can I freeze pizza dough?

Yes, you can freeze pizza dough for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Can I make gluten-free pizza dough?

Yes, there are many gluten-free pizza dough recipes available that use alternative flours like almond or coconut flour.

Can I use pizza dough to make savory pies?

Yes, you can use pizza dough as a crust for savory pies like chicken pot pie or shepherd’s pie.

Conclusion

Pizza dough is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a wide variety of delicious dishes. From appetizers to main courses to desserts, there’s no limit to what you can bake with pizza dough.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a hearty meal, pizza dough has got you covered.

I'm Jennifer Tirrell, a self-taught baker, and founder of CakeRe. As an experienced baker and recipe publisher, I have spent over a decade working in the kitchen and have tried and tested countless baking tools and products. From classic cakes to creative twists, I've got you covered. So grab your apron and let's get baking!

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