How to Make a Pizza with Store Bought Dough
Craving a hot, cheesy pizza but short on time? No worries! With store-bought pizza dough, you can enjoy a homemade pizza recipe that’s both delicious and convenient. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves baking pizza at home without all the fuss, using ready-made dough is a game-changer.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make pizza with store bought dough from start to finish. We’ll walk you through stretching the dough, adding toppings, baking it to perfection, and even how to avoid common pizza-making mistakes.
Let’s get cooking!
What You Need | Tools & Ingredients
Before diving in, gather everything you’ll need. Making pizza at home doesn’t require fancy equipment, just a few kitchen basics and your favorite toppings.
Essential Tools:
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl (to rest the dough)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Oven mitts
- Pastry brush (for garlic oil or egg wash)
Ingredients:
- Best store bought pizza dough (fresh or refrigerated)
- Pizza sauce (jarred, canned, or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese you love)
- Olive oil
- Toppings of your choice (see ideas below)
- Optional: cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
How to Prepare Store-Bought Pizza Dough
One of the most important steps in making a great homemade pizza is prepping the dough the right way.
Let the Dough Come to Room Temperature
Cold dough can be tough to work with. Here’s what to do:
- Remove the dough from the fridge about 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to use it.
- Lightly coat the dough in olive oil to prevent sticking and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let it sit in a warm, draft-free spot until it’s soft and stretchy.
Tip: Don’t skip this step! Room-temperature dough is much easier to stretch and won’t tear as easily.
How to Stretch Pizza Dough Properly
Now that your dough is rested, it’s time to stretch it out.
- Lightly flour your work surface or sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Press the dough ball gently with your fingers, starting from the center and moving outward.
- Pick up the dough and use your knuckles or the backs of your hands to gently stretch it into a circle (or rectangle for a baking sheet).
- If the dough keeps shrinking back, let it rest for 5–10 more minutes before trying again.
Common mistake to avoid: Don’t use a rolling pin too aggressively—it can press out all the air bubbles that give your crust that perfect chewy texture.
Assembling Your Pizza: Sauce, Cheese & Toppings
Now comes the fun part: building your pizza!
1. Sauce
Spread your sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Don’t overdo it—too much sauce can make the crust soggy.
Try these sauces:
- Classic tomato pizza sauce
- Pesto
- Alfredo sauce
- Olive oil and garlic for a white pizza
2. Cheese
Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, or mix it up with:
- Provolone
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Ricotta dollops
3. Pizza Toppings Ideas
Get creative! Here are some classic and unique topping ideas:
Classic:
- Pepperoni
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Olives
- Onions
Gourmet:
- Prosciutto and arugula
- Goat cheese and caramelized onions
- Roasted garlic and spinach
- BBQ chicken and red onions
Tip: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano after baking for the best flavor.
How Long to Bake Pizza at Home
Oven Temperature:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) at least 30 minutes in advance.
- If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Baking Time:
- Bake pizza for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.
Tips for a Crispy Crust:
- Use parchment paper for easy transfer and less mess.
- For an extra-crispy bottom, brush the edges and bottom of the dough with olive oil.
- Use a pizza stone or a preheated baking steel if you have one.
Bonus Tip: If you like a thinner crust, roll the dough out more and use less sauce and cheese. For a thicker crust, shape the dough smaller and bake slightly longer.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Not preheating the oven: Cold ovens lead to soggy crusts.
- Using too much sauce or cheese: Less is more—it allows the dough to crisp up.
- Skipping the rest period for dough: Cold dough is hard to stretch and won’t bake evenly.
Optional Additions:
- Garlic oil crust: Brush the edges with a mix of olive oil and minced garlic before baking.
- Egg wash: For a golden crust, lightly brush the edges with a beaten egg.
- Hot honey drizzle or balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory finish after baking.
Conclusion
Making pizza at home with store-bought dough is easy, fun, and super satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or just treating yourself, this method takes the guesswork out of dough-making and puts the flavor in your hands.
So the next time you’re wondering how to make pizza with store bought dough, just follow this guide. Pick your favorite toppings, crank up the oven, and enjoy a slice of homemade perfection!
Now it’s your turn! Grab some dough, get creative with your toppings, and share your homemade pizza masterpiece with friends or family.
