Refrigerated pizza dough is a convenient and versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary game. Often overlooked as just a base for traditional pizza, it can serve as the foundation for a variety of creative dishes. Whether you’re aiming for savory delights, sweet treats, or something entirely unique, refrigerated pizza dough can save time without compromising flavor.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 delicious recipes using refrigerated pizza dough. These recipes range from classic pizzas to innovative dishes that are perfect for meals, snacks, or entertaining.
Classic Margherita Pizza
The quintessential pizza is easy to prepare with refrigerated pizza dough. A Margherita pizza highlights the simplicity of fresh ingredients.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
1 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the dough into your desired shape and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Spread the crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a small border.
Add slices of fresh mozzarella evenly across the top.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle olive oil over the top before serving.
Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
These bite-sized treats are perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella
20-30 pepperoni slices
Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Sprinkle mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pieces.
Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden. Sprinkle Parmesan on top, if desired.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta or salad.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
3 tbsp butter, melted
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out the dough and cut it into strips.
Tie each strip into a knot and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a bowl. Brush over the knots after baking.
Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm.
Breakfast Pizza
Pizza for breakfast? Yes, please! This recipe combines morning favorites with pizza dough.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
4 large eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage
1/4 cup diced bell peppers
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out the dough and transfer to a baking sheet.
Create a border with the dough to hold the toppings.
Crack the eggs directly onto the dough and spread the other ingredients evenly around them.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the crust is golden.
Calzones
Calzones are a great way to enjoy pizza in a portable format.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage or vegetables
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll into circles.
Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and sausage in a bowl.
Spoon the filling onto one half of each circle and fold over, sealing the edges with a fork.
Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cinnamon Sugar Twists
For a sweet treat, try these cinnamon sugar twists.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Cream cheese icing or caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough and cut into strips.
Twist each strip and place on a baking sheet.
Mix sugar and cinnamon, then brush each twist with melted butter and sprinkle with the mixture.
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Serve with cream cheese icing or caramel sauce.
Stromboli
This rolled Italian dish is packed with flavor and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup thinly sliced deli meats (salami, ham, etc.)
1/4 cup roasted red peppers
1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
Layer pizza sauce, cheese, meats, and peppers.
Roll the dough tightly, tucking in the edges, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
Brush with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Mini Pizza Cups
These individual cups are perfect for parties or quick snacks.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Toppings of choice (pepperoni, vegetables, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the dough into small circles and press into a greased muffin tin.
Add a spoonful of pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings to each cup.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This flavorful pizza puts a smoky, tangy twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out the dough and spread barbecue sauce as the base.
Top with chicken, mozzarella, and red onion.
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Fruit Tart Pizza
This dessert pizza combines fresh fruits with a creamy base.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, etc.)
Honey or fruit glaze (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough into a thin circle and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden.
Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Spread over the cooled crust.
Arrange sliced fruits on top and drizzle with honey or glaze.
Tips for Working with Refrigerated Pizza Dough
Bring to Room Temperature: Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before rolling it out. This prevents tearing and makes it easier to work with.
Flour the Surface: Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to avoid sticking.
Pre-Bake for Crispy Crusts: If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings.
Experiment with Shapes: Don’t limit yourself to circles. Try squares, rectangles, or even free-form designs.
Refrigerated pizza dough is more than just a shortcut—it’s a gateway to endless creativity.
With a bit of imagination, you can turn this humble ingredient into a variety of dishes that delight the senses and satisfy cravings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a quick family meal, or indulging in a sweet treat, these recipes will inspire you to think outside the pizza box.
