Pizza dough is more than just a base for your favorite pizza toppings; it’s a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. From savory appetizers to sweet treats, there are endless possibilities for what you can make with pizza dough.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your usual pizza night or impress your guests with a unique dish, experimenting with pizza dough can lead to some truly mouth-watering results. So, let’s dive into the world of pizza dough and discover all the creative and delicious ways you can use it in your cooking.
What Else Can You Make with Pizza Dough?
Pizza dough is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used for more than just pizza. Whether you have leftover dough, or you want to try something new, there are endless possibilities for using pizza dough in creative ways. Here are ten ideas for what else you can make with pizza dough.
1. Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are a popular appetizer that are easy to make with pizza dough. Simply cut the dough into small pieces, roll them into ropes, tie them into knots, and brush them with garlic butter before baking. Garlic knots are a tasty addition to any meal, and they’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
2. Calzones
Calzones are like a pizza pocket, with all the toppings and cheese stuffed inside the dough. To make a calzone, roll out the dough, add your toppings, fold the dough over, and seal the edges. Bake until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Calzones are a delicious and filling meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
3. Stromboli
Stromboli is similar to a calzone, but it’s rolled up like a cinnamon roll instead of folded over. To make stromboli, roll out the dough, add your toppings, and roll it up into a spiral. Bake until the dough is crispy and the cheese is melted. Stromboli is a fun and unique way to enjoy pizza dough.
4. Breadsticks
Breadsticks are a classic side dish that go great with pasta or salad. To make breadsticks, roll out the dough, cut it into strips, and brush them with garlic butter before baking. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping. Breadsticks are a simple and delicious way to use up leftover pizza dough.
5. Focaccia
Focaccia is a flatbread that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil or using as a sandwich bread. To make focaccia, roll out the dough, brush it with olive oil, and sprinkle it with herbs and sea salt before baking. Focaccia is a great way to showcase the flavor of the dough, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
6. Pretzels
Soft pretzels are a classic snack that can be made with pizza dough. To make pretzels, roll out the dough, shape it into a pretzel, and boil it in baking soda water before baking. Brush the pretzels with butter and sprinkle them with coarse salt before serving. Pretzels are a fun and tasty way to use pizza dough in a new way.
7. Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are like mini calzones, with all the toppings and cheese rolled up inside the dough. To make pizza rolls, roll out the dough, add your toppings, and roll it up into a spiral. Cut the spiral into slices and bake until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Pizza rolls are a great party snack or appetizer.
8. Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a sweet treat that can be made with pizza dough. To make cinnamon rolls, roll out the dough, brush it with melted butter, and sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. Roll it up into a spiral, cut it into slices, and bake until the dough is golden brown. Cinnamon rolls are a delicious breakfast or dessert option.
9. Pita Bread
Pita bread is a type of flatbread that’s perfect for filling with your favorite sandwich ingredients. To make pita bread, roll out the dough, cut it into rounds, and bake until it puffs up in the oven. Pita bread is a great option for a quick and easy lunch, and it’s easy to make in advance and freeze for later.
10. Pizza Bagels
Pizza bagels are a fun and easy snack that can be made with pizza dough. To make pizza bagels, cut the dough into rounds, add your toppings, and bake until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Pizza bagels are a great option for a quick and easy meal or snack, and they’re perfect for kids.
In conclusion, pizza dough is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s a recipe out there that can be made with pizza dough. These ten ideas are just the beginning, so get creative and experiment with your own pizza dough recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about what else can you make with pizza dough:
1. Can I make dessert with pizza dough?
Yes, you can definitely make dessert with pizza dough. One popular dessert that you can make with pizza dough is cinnamon sugar knots. Simply roll out the dough, cut it into strips, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, tie into knots, and bake in the oven until golden brown. Another option is to make fruit pizza, which is essentially a sugar cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and your favorite fruits.
For a more decadent dessert, you can also try making Nutella pizza. Spread Nutella over the pizza dough, top with sliced bananas or strawberries, and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
2. How can I use pizza dough to make appetizers?
Pizza dough is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of appetizers. One simple option is to make garlic knots. Roll out the dough, cut it into strips, tie into knots, and bake in the oven until golden brown. Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
You can also use pizza dough to make mini calzones. Fill small portions of dough with your favorite fillings, such as cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables, and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
3. Can I make bread with pizza dough?
Yes, you can make bread with pizza dough. Simply shape the dough into a loaf, let it rise, and bake in the oven until golden brown. You can also use the dough to make breadsticks or focaccia bread. Top with herbs, cheese, or olives for added flavor.
If you want to get creative, you can try making stuffed bread with pizza dough. Roll out the dough, fill with your favorite fillings, such as cheese, spinach, and sausage, and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
4. How can I use pizza dough to make breakfast?
Pizza dough can be used to make a variety of breakfast options. One simple option is to make breakfast pizza. Top the dough with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and your favorite vegetables, and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown.
You can also use pizza dough to make breakfast calzones. Fill small portions of dough with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats, and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown. Serve with hot sauce or salsa for dipping.
5. Can I use pizza dough to make pasta?
No, you cannot use pizza dough to make pasta. While both pizza dough and pasta dough are made from flour, water, and salt, pizza dough typically contains yeast and is meant to rise and create a chewy, fluffy crust. Pasta dough, on the other hand, is meant to be rolled out thin and cooked quickly in boiling water.
If you want to make homemade pasta, you will need to use a different recipe and method than pizza dough. However, you can use leftover pizza dough to make stromboli, which is a type of rolled pizza filled with cheese and other toppings.
Five things to do with extra pizza dough
In conclusion, pizza dough is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes. From calzones and breadsticks to dessert pizzas and even empanadas, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you want to experiment with different flavors and toppings or try out new cooking techniques, pizza dough provides a great base for exploring your culinary creativity. And with the convenience of pre-made dough available at most grocery stores, it’s easy to whip up a tasty meal or snack in no time.
So next time you’re looking for a new recipe to try, consider using pizza dough as your starting point. You may just discover a new favorite dish that you never would have thought of before!
