Can You Freeze Pizza Dough? The Right Way to Do It
- Simon
- Last Updated on October 31, 2023
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Any pizza lover should not only have a fantastic pizza dough recipe at their disposal, but they should also know how to freeze their dough for those evenings when the craving is there but the time is not.
Homemade frozen pizza is one of those easy meals that can help save even the worst of days when all you have time to do is preheat the oven. You will then choose from a variety of your own frozen pizzas and just like that, dinner is done. Preparing a frozen pizza is also a pretty simple process which enables you to prep more pizza in one go!
By dedicating some time to meal prep you will be able to prep all your frozen homemade pizza for the month, from the dough to the pizza sauce and use toppings such as pepperoni or mozzarella cheese, and even make some mini pizzas for the kids!
This article will give you all the tips and tricks that you will need to be able to freeze your dough balls, plain pizza bases and even pizzas with all the toppings and your desired sauce already on top! You will also learn how to bake your homemade frozen pizza on a baking sheet or even a pizza stone.
Why would you need to freeze homemade pizza dough?
There are many different reasons that you would want to freeze your pizza dough such as the convenience of time-saving or maybe you are planning ahead for your next pizza night, but whatever your reason is, it is always a great idea and you will need to know how to be able to freeze your dough properly.
You can freeze a whole pizza, which seems like the most logical option, but you are also able to freeze only the dough balls or the plain base if you are not set on your toppings or maybe you would still like to have some fun with assembling the pizza but don’t have time on the day to make the dough from scratch.
How to freeze different pizza doughs?
Dough balls
Freezing your dough balls is pretty easy and a great way to be able to have homemade pizzas whenever you want. You will make your pizza dough according to your recipe and then let the dough rise as normal. Afterward, you will knock back your dough, divide it into your desired portions and loosely wrap them in plastic wrap to freeze.
When you are ready to use your dough you simply take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge for a couple of hours to defrost and then you will be able to stretch and bake your base as normal. Be sure to leave your dough to reach room temperature after it has defrosted to make it easier when you are working the dough.
Be sure to not overwork the dough when you are stretching it out to your desired shape as it can rip and leave holes in your base, and overworking it can also cause the dough to shrink as it is baking.
Pizza base
Freezing a plain pizza base is a great way to cut down on time when you are prepping for pizza night with the whole family or for those nights when you want to have a pizza party for 1 but don’t have the time to make your base from scratch. This method enables you to just pull a frozen base out of the freezer, add your toppings and bake a delicious pizza.
The best way to freeze a plain pizza base is to shape and par-bake the dough in the oven, let it cool and freeze it afterward. You will make your dough from scratch and allow the dough to rise before portioning it and start to stretch your dough into the shape that you want on a floured surface. Ensure that you stretch your dough slowly so that it doesn’t rip.
To par-bake your dough, preheat your oven to 230 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least half an hour before you need to bake your base. Bake your base on an oiled baking sheet or a baking stone for around 7 min until the base is light in color but not brown and keeps its shape. You will then allow it to cool down and then it will be ready to freeze.
When you are ready to use your base, add your sauce, toppings, and cheese, and bake it for another 10 minutes or until the pizza crust is golden brown and crispy to your liking.
Pizza base with sauce, cheese, and other toppings
Freezing your frozen pizza with all its toppings is a great idea and the ultimate time saver. This enables you to literally just stick the entire thing in the oven and dinner is served within a few minutes!
To pre-make your homemade frozen pizzas, you will make your dough and pre-bake it like you would if you were freezing your base. After you par-bake your base you can add your pizza sauce, toppings, and grated cheese. The best cheese for homemade frozen pizza is cheese such as mozzarella but you can use any cheese that you want as long as it is not too wet.
After assembling your pizza, freeze it uncovered for around half an hour and then cover it in aluminum foil and plastic wrap afterward. If you are ready to bake your pizza, preheat the oven and bake your frozen pizza until the crust is golden brown and delicious, top it with some olive oil and enjoy!
If you want to try freezing your own pizza dough, take a look at this pizza dough recipe to help steer you in the right direction. You will now be able to make homemade frozen pizzas whenever you want or bake it fresh for you and your family’s next pizza night!
Frequent Asked Questions
Can you freeze your pizza dough after it rises?
Yes, you are totally able to freeze pizza dough after it has risen. You only need to portion the dough and wrap it in plastic before putting it into the freezer.
Should you freeze pizza dough before or after it rises?
It is better to freeze your pizza dough after it has risen as you will then be able to use it immediately after it has been defrosted. This also has the least impact on the rising of the dough and ensures a good texture after the base has been baked.
How to cook a pizza from frozen?
To cook a frozen pizza, you need to preheat your oven and then bake your pizza until the crust is crispy and golden brown and your cheese is melted. The process should not take more than 15 min if your base was par-baked.
Can I assemble my own pizza and freeze it?
It is completely possible to assemble your pizza completely and freeze it. You will need to pre-bake your base and then you are able to add whatever toppings you choose and freeze it so that it is ready to bake whenever you need it.
Is it better to freeze pizza cooked or uncooked?
It is better to freeze your pizza uncooked and bake it fresh because when you freeze an already cooked pizza, it looses moisture when it is heated up and the texture of the crust becomes compromised.
