If you’ve ever found yourself with leftover pizza dough and wondered what else you could make with it, you’re in luck! We’ve got you covered with a fantastic list of 35 simple and tasty things you can whip up using that versatile dough. From appetizers to desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Get ready to unleash your inner chef as we take you on a delightful journey through the world of pizza dough creations. No fancy culinary skills required – these recipes are designed to be easy and fun to make. So, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with these delicious treats. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking with pizza dough!
Pizza dough is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen as we show you how to transform it into mouthwatering dishes that go way beyond your typical pizza. Get ready for a culinary adventure filled with cheesy, savory, and even sweet delights. Let’s dive in and discover the endless possibilities of what you can create with pizza dough.
1. Mini Pretzel Bites
- Roll out the pizza dough into long ropes.
- Cut the ropes into small pieces to form bite-sized portions.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda.
- Boil the dough pieces in the baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle coarse salt on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard or cheese sauce.
2. Stromboli
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape.
- Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Layer cooked and sliced Italian sausage, salami, ham, and provolone cheese on top of the sauce.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, sealing the edges.
- Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Slice and serve with marinara sauce.
3. Mini Pizza Pockets
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles.
- Place a spoonful of tomato sauce on one half of each dough circle.
- Add your choice of toppings, such as cooked sausage, diced peppers, and shredded cheese.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
3. Apple Cinnamon Dessert Pizza
- Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape.
- Spread a thin layer of butter over the dough.
- Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar evenly.
- Arrange thinly sliced apples on top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or until crust is golden.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
4. Focaccia Bread
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press your fingers into the dough to create dimples.
- Drizzle olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with sea salt and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Slice into squares and serve as an appetizer or side dish.
5. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread Dijon mustard over the dough.
- Layer sliced ham and Swiss cheese on top.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side.
- Cut into slices and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
6. Classic Margherita Pizza
- Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly on the dough.
- Add sliced fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
7. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Brush melted butter mixed with minced garlic over the dough.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese and a pinch of salt over the top.
- Cut into strips and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Mini Calzones
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles.
- Fill half of each circle with your choice of ingredients like cheese, cooked meats, and veggies.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread tomato sauce over the dough.
- Place a layer of pepperoni slices and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll up the dough tightly and slice into rolls.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Bread
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread cooked and squeezed-dry spinach over the dough.
- Crumble feta cheese on top and season with salt and pepper.
- Roll up the dough tightly and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Mini Pesto Pizzas
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles.
- Spread pesto sauce over each dough circle.
- Top with cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden.
12. Cinnamon Sugar Knots
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Brush melted butter over the dough.
- Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar evenly.
- Cut the dough into strips and tie each strip into a knot.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
13. BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape.
- Spread barbecue sauce over the dough.
- Top with cooked chicken, sliced red onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
14. Caprese Flatbread
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape.
- Brush olive oil over the dough.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on top.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden.
15. Garlic Knots
- Roll out the pizza dough into ropes.
- Tie the ropes into knots and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the knots with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve as a delicious side or appetizer.
16. Breakfast Calzones
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles.
- Fill each circle with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Enjoy a portable and tasty breakfast on the go.
17. Pesto Twists
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread pesto sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Cut the dough into strips and twist each strip.
- Place the twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
18. Veggie Stromboli
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape.
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the dough.
- Layer sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, sealing the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Slice and enjoy a delicious vegetarian option.
19. Nutella Pizza
- Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape.
- Spread Nutella hazelnut spread evenly over the dough.
- Top with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden.
- Slice and indulge in a sweet treat.
20. Buffalo Chicken Calzones
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles.
- In a bowl, mix cooked chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture and some crumbled blue cheese on one half of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
21. Taco Pizza
- Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape.
- Spread a layer of refried beans over the dough.
- Top with cooked ground beef or shredded chicken seasoned with taco seasoning.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Finish with a garnish of shredded lettuce and dollops of sour cream.
22. Pizzadillas
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles or rectangles.
- Spread tomato sauce over one half of each dough piece.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
- Cook each pizzadilla in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
- Cut into wedges and serve with marinara sauce.
23. Apple Hand Pies
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small squares.
- Place a spoonful of apple pie filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough over to form a triangle and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
24. Mini Pizza Bagels
- Slice the pizza dough into small rounds or squares.
- Spread tomato sauce on each slice.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve as a fun and easy snack option.
25. Spinach and Ricotta Calzones
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles.
- Mix together cooked and squeezed-dry spinach, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the spinach and ricotta mixture on one half of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
26. Ham and Cheese Stromboli
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape.
- Layer thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese on top of the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, sealing the edges.
- Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Slice and serve as a delicious lunch or dinner option.
27. Sausage and Peppers Pizza
- Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape.
- Spread tomato sauce over the dough.
- Top with cooked Italian sausage slices, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes before serving.
28. Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Brush melted butter mixed with minced garlic over the dough.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried oregano over the top.
- Cut into strips and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with marinara sauce or a side of Alfredo sauce for dipping.
29. Veggie Pizza
- Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape.
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the dough.
- Top with your favorite sautéed or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and a pinch of dried Italian seasoning.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden.
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
30. Mini Fruit Galettes
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles.
- Place sliced fruits such as peaches, apples, or berries in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the fruits, leaving the center exposed.
- Sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and the fruits are tender.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
31. Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape.
- Spread a layer of caramelized onions over the dough.
- Crumble goat cheese on top and sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden.
- Drizzle with honey before serving.
32. Pizza Pinwheels
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings such as pepperoni, olives, and mushrooms.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side.
- Slice into rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve as a tasty appetizer or snack.
33. Caprese Pizza
- Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape.
- Spread a layer of pesto sauce over the dough.
- Top with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves before serving.
34. BBQ Chicken Calzones
- Roll out the pizza dough into small circles.
- Mix cooked and shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the BBQ chicken mixture and shredded cheddar cheese on one half of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with additional BBQ sauce for dipping.
35. Cinnamon Sugar Pizza Rolls
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread melted butter over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Slice the log into smaller rolls.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Optional: Drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract before serving.
Final Thoughts
Pizza dough is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a wide array of delicious creations. From savory options like calzones and stromboli to sweet treats like dessert pizza and cinnamon sugar rolls, there is no shortage of possibilities. With just a few simple steps, you can unleash your creativity and enjoy homemade delights that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Experimenting with different toppings, sauces, and fillings allows you to customize each recipe to your liking. Whether you prefer classic combinations like pepperoni and cheese or you’re keen on exploring unique flavor profiles with gourmet ingredients, pizza dough provides a blank canvas for culinary exploration. The joy of working with pizza dough lies in its adaptability and the opportunity to create something truly special in your own kitchen.
So, the next time you have pizza dough on hand, don’t limit yourself to traditional pizzas. Step outside the box and try one of these easy recipes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a quick meal, or simply craving a tasty treat, these simple and diverse pizza dough creations are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure with pizza dough as your trusty companion. Bon appétit!