Storing pizza dough – the best way
Pizza is a popular dish that brings joy to many people’s lives. Making pizza at home allows you to customize it to your liking and enjoy it whenever the craving strikes. However, in order to have homemade pizza at your fingertips, it is important to store your pizza dough properly. In this article, we will explore the best techniques for storing pizza dough to ensure its freshness and quality.
Storing Pizza Dough in the Refrigerator
When it comes to short-term storage of pizza dough, the refrigerator is your best friend. Properly stored, pizza dough can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. To maintain its moisture and elasticity, follow these steps:
- Allow the dough to rise: Before storing pizza dough, allow it to rise for at least half an hour. This step is essential to develop the flavor and texture of the dough.
- Use a loose lid: For short-term storage of two days or less, loosely cover the dough. You can place it in a storage container covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight bag. This method prevents excessive drying while still allowing some air circulation.
- Lightly oil or flour the container: Before storing dough, lightly oil or flour the bowl or storage container to prevent sticking.
- Individual dough balls: Divide the dough into individually folded balls. Avoid punching the dough as this can affect its texture.
- Allow the dough to warm: When you’re ready to use the dough, let it warm to room temperature for at least half an hour. This step allows for easier handling and better results.
Storing pizza dough for longer periods of time
If you need to store pizza dough for an extended period of time, such as a few days or even weeks, freezing is the best option. Follow these steps for successful long-term storage:
- Allow the dough to rise: As with refrigerated storage, allow the dough to rise for at least half an hour before freezing.
- Wrap dough individually: Carefully wrap each dough ball in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.
- Double-wrap with aluminum foil: After wrapping the dough in plastic wrap, wrap it in aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection.
- Use freezer-safe containers: Place the wrapped dough balls in a freezer-safe bag or container with an airtight seal. This will prevent freezer odors from affecting the quality of the dough.
- Thawing process: When you’re ready to use the frozen dough, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, allow it to come to room temperature in your kitchen before rolling it out.
By following these steps, you can store pizza dough in the freezer for up to three months without compromising its quality.
Storing pizza dough for a few hours
If you only need to store pizza dough for a few hours, such as when you’re making it ahead of time for dinner, you can follow these guidelines:
- Allow the dough to rise: While making the dough, allow the dough to rise at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or a towel, for about an hour and a half.
- Refrigerate for a few hours: If you need to store the dough for a few hours between making and baking, place it in the refrigerator. It is not necessary to seal it airtight for this short time. It is best to let it rise freely.
- Cover container loosely: Cover the storage container or bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a towel. This will prevent the dough from being accidentally squashed in the refrigerator.
- Preventing Sticking: To prevent the dough from sticking to the container, lightly flour the bowl or storage container.
- Room Temperature Before Use: Allow the dough to come to room temperature for 15 minutes to half an hour before rolling out for baking. This step allows for better texture and easier handling.
Refrigerate pizza dough after rising
Refrigerating pizza dough after it has risen is a common practice when you don’t want to use it immediately. Keep the following points in mind when refrigerating risen dough:
- Allow room for expansion: If you plan to store the dough for a few hours, overnight, or up to three days, do not wrap it completely. Restricting its ability to continue rising will affect the quality of the dough. Instead, use a loosely covered storage container.
- Wrap individually after 2-3 days: After two to three days of storage, the dough can be individually wrapped. At this point, the dough has risen as much as possible and it is better to protect it from drying out.
Refrigerating risen dough can extend its shelf life while still ensuring good rise and flavor development.
Freezing pizza dough
Freezing pizza dough is an excellent option for long-term storage. To freeze pizza dough, follow these steps:
- Allow the dough to rise: Before freezing, allow the dough to rise for at least half an hour to develop its flavor and texture.
- Divide into portions: Divide the dough into individual portions or balls. This makes it easier to thaw and portion when you’re ready to use the dough.
- Wrap in plastic wrap: Wrap each portion of dough tightly in plastic wrap. This will help prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.
- Add a layer of protection: After wrapping in plastic, provide an extra layer of protection by wrapping the dough in aluminum foil. This will help maintain the quality of the dough during freezing.
- Place in freezer-safe containers: Place wrapped portions of dough in freezer-safe bags or containers with airtight seals. Label the containers with the date for easy identification.
- Freezing Time: Pizza dough can be frozen for up to three months without significant change in quality. Beyond that, the dough may begin to develop freezer burn or lose its texture.
- Thawing process: When you’re ready to use the frozen dough, place it in the refrigerator the night before. Allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Once thawed, let it come to room temperature in your kitchen before rolling it out.
By following these steps, you can enjoy homemade pizza anytime by simply defrosting and preparing the dough according to your favorite pizza recipe.
Bottom line
Proper storage of pizza dough is essential to ensure its freshness and quality. Whether you’re storing it for a few hours, overnight or longer, following the proper techniques will help maintain the dough’s moisture, elasticity and flavor. Refrigerating dough for short-term storage and freezing it for longer-term storage are both effective methods. By understanding the steps involved and following them correctly, you can have homemade pizza dough on hand whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious pizza. Enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of homemade pizza by mastering the art of pizza dough storage.
FAQS
How long does pizza dough keep in the refrigerator?
Pizza dough can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if properly wrapped in plastic to prevent moisture loss.
Can you store pizza dough in the freezer?
Yes, pizza dough can be frozen for extended storage. It is recommended that the dough balls be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then double wrapped in aluminum foil before being placed in a freezer-safe container.
How long can you freeze pizza dough?
Pizza dough can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant change in quality. Beyond that, it may begin to develop freezer burn or lose its texture.
Should I let the dough rise before storing it?
Yes, it is important to allow the dough to rise for at least half an hour before storing. This step helps to develop the flavor and texture of the dough.
How do I thaw frozen pizza dough?
To thaw frozen pizza dough, place it in the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it. Allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature in your kitchen before rolling it out.
Can I store pizza dough after it has risen?
Yes, you can refrigerate pizza dough after it has risen. However, it is best to use a loosely covered storage container to allow room for further expansion. After two to three days, it is recommended to wrap the dough individually to prevent it from drying out.