Bread Machine Pizza Dough

How to Use Bread Machine Pizza Dough

Once the bread machine has finished the dough cycle, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Each portion can be shaped into a pizza crust and used right away, or saved for later.

When you’re ready to make your pizza, gently stretch or roll the dough into your desired shape and thickness. Transfer it to your prepared pizza pan, stone, or baking surface before adding your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Tips for the Best Bread Machine Pizza Dough

Follow your bread machine’s ingredient order. We use a KBS bread machine and add the ingredients in the order listed in the recipe. Other machines may recommend a different order, so check your manufacturer’s instructions.

Use warm water. The water should be approximately 80–90°F. Water that’s too hot can damage the yeast, while water that’s too cold can slow down the rising process.

Check the dough while it’s kneading. The dough should come together into a soft, smooth ball. If it looks unusually wet or sticky, add a small amount of flour. If it seems excessively dry, add a small amount of water.

Don’t overwork the finished dough. Once the bread machine has done the kneading for you, handle the dough gently when shaping your pizza crust.

How Thin Should I Roll Pizza Dough?

That depends on the kind of pizza you like. For a thinner, crispier crust, stretch or roll the dough thinner. Leave it slightly thicker if you prefer a softer, chewier crust.

Remember that the dough will rise somewhat during baking, so make your unbaked crust a little thinner than you want the finished pizza to be.

Pizza Topping Ideas

One of the best things about homemade pizza dough is that everyone can make the pizza their own. Start with your favorite pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, then add whatever toppings you enjoy.

• Pepperoni
• Italian sausage
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Black olives
• Fresh basil
• Fresh mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese

You can also skip traditional pizza sauce altogether and use pesto, barbecue sauce, or olive oil as the base for your pizza.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

This pizza dough is perfect for making ahead. After dividing the finished dough into two portions, lightly coat each portion with olive oil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

The dough can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to make pizza, transfer the frozen dough to the refrigerator the night before and allow it to thaw overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my bread machine doesn’t have a leavened dough setting?

Use the Raw Dough setting instead. In our KBS bread machine, this cycle takes about 30 minutes. When the cycle is finished, transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about one hour.

Can I make bread machine pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready for pizza night.

Can I freeze homemade pizza dough?

Yes. Lightly coat each portion of dough with olive oil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Why is my pizza dough sticky?

Pizza dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but it shouldn’t be excessively wet. Flour absorbs moisture differently depending on the brand, humidity, and how it was measured. If the dough is very sticky during kneading, add flour a small amount at a time until a soft dough ball forms.

Can I use the pizza dough immediately?

Yes. When using the Leavened Dough setting, the bread machine handles the kneading and rising, so the dough can be divided and used when the cycle is complete.