Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Easy Weeknight Recipe Wellplated Com

Whenever someone asks me my desert island food, the answer is pizza (close second is ice cream, especially Banana Ice Cream). While the frozen stuff can hit the spot every now and then, absolutely nothing compares to pizza dough you make yourself from scratch. This healthy pizza dough recipe is made with whole wheat flour, is crisp at the edges and tender within, and will wow you, both with its ease and its more complex, fresh-baked flavor. Taking a bite of a warm, hot-from-the-oven slice of pizza (like Ricotta Pizza) when you’ve made the dough from scratch is one of the most pleasurable, scrumptious, and satisfying of mealtime moments. Here’s a little secret: homemade pizza dough is E-A-S-Y. Don’t let baking with yeast intimidate you.

Yeast is just an ingredient, like flour, honey, or anything else.As long as the yeast is not expired and you take the temperature of your water to make sure it’s not too hot or too cold, you’ll succeed, I promise!

Plus I have a quick, foolproof yeast check at the beginning of the recipe to make sure your dough rises perfectly.

Healthy Pizza Dough Any Night of the Week

Homemade pizza (especially this Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Pizza) is one of our most prized dinners on both weeknights and weekends alike. This is my go-to pizza dough recipe for a few reasons:

It’s ideal for busy weeknights. This simple recipe requires only 10 minutes to knead, 30 minutes to rise, and 10 seconds to devour (5 seconds if you’re Ben). It yields enough dough for two large pizzas. Make the dough tonight for Buffalo Chicken Pizza, then use the second half for Burrata Pizza tomorrow! (Or make them both tonight; no one will be mad.)The unbaked dough stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Pizza now and later? Yes, please! Try this Carbonara Pizza with leftover dough.Uses a healthy blend of all purpose and whole wheat flour. Whole wheat pizza dough is healthy compared to pizza dough made with only all-purpose flour, as whole wheat flour is higher in nutrients and fiber. If you use cheese in moderate amounts and load up your pizza with vegetables (I love this Beet Cheddar Apple Pizza), then it is certainly a healthy option to enjoy in moderation.

How to Make Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Ditch that tube of store-bought pizza dough and never stray down the frozen pizza aisle again with this easy weeknight whole wheat pizza dough recipe. You can use it for pizzas, calzones, breadsticks, and more.

The Ingredients

Active Dry Yeast. You’ll need 2 standard-sized (1/4-ounce) packets, which is the equivalent of a scant 4 1/2 teaspoons.

Honey. Naturally sweetens the dough and provides “food” for the yeast.Olive Oil. Contributes subtle flavor, moisture, and richness.White Whole Wheat Flour. Gives pizza made with this crust a healthy dose of whole-grain goodness without being too dense or heavy.

All Purpose Flour. Keeps the final dough tasting mild and light.Vital Wheat Gluten. Optional, as a dough enhancer.

Salt. Vital for making the dough flavorful rather than bland.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Unbaked pizza dough can be rolled into a ball and stored well wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for two days. If refrigerated, let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, then proceed to roll the dough as directed.To Freeze. Keep unbaked whole wheat pizza dough in the freezer, wrapped tightly in plastic, for up to one month. Thaw frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Pizza Stone. For those who want to take their homemade pizza to the next level.Sheet Pan. A versatile kitchen staple for sheet pan pizza, cookies, and roasted vegetables.

Most yeast manufacturers call for a temperature ranging from 105 degrees F and 120 degrees F. Check your packet for specifics. I especially love this vital wheat gluten and have seen it available in many grocery stores and the internet. Don’t have it or don’t want to purchase it? No biggie! You can omit it and still have excellent results. If you try this out, I’d love to hear about your results in the comments below! Or, for a gluten free, low-carb, and keto-friendly pizza dough, check out this Broccoli Pizza Crust.