Pizza is a universally loved dish, and making it at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. This whole wheat pizza dough recipe is a healthier take on traditional pizza dough, and it's surprisingly easy to make. With its distinctive, hearty flavor, whole wheat crust is the perfect vehicle for your favorite pizza toppings.
The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and should be readily available in most supermarkets. However, make sure not to confuse white whole wheat flour with regular whole wheat flour. White whole wheat flour is made from a different variety of wheat which is lighter in color and flavor. It gives the dough a smoother texture and less intense flavor than regular whole wheat flour.
Ingredients for Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
Warm water: It's essential for activating the yeast. The water should be between 100-110°F, anything too hot can kill the yeast.
Active dry yeast: It helps the dough to rise and gives the pizza crust its airy and chewy texture.
White whole wheat flour: A type of whole wheat flour that is lighter in color and flavor, giving the pizza crust a smoother texture.
Honey: It feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and richness to the dough, and also helps in creating a golden brown crust.
Salt: It strengthens the gluten structure in the dough and enhances the flavor.
Cornmeal: Used to dust the pizza stone or baking sheet, it prevents the pizza from sticking and adds a nice crunch to the crust.
One reader, Birdie Budd says:
This whole wheat pizza dough recipe is a game-changer! The crust turned out perfectly crispy and flavorful. The addition of honey gave it a subtle sweetness that complemented the toppings beautifully. Plus, it's healthier than traditional dough. I'm definitely making this again!
Mastering the Techniques for Perfect Pizza Dough
How to activate yeast: Yeast needs to be activated by dissolving it in warm water and allowing it to sit until it becomes foamy. This process ensures that the yeast is alive and will help the dough rise.
How to knead dough: Kneading the dough involves folding it over and pressing it with the heels of your hands, then turning it and repeating the process. This helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving it structure and elasticity.
How to roll out pizza dough: After the dough has risen, it should be turned onto a floured surface and rolled into a round shape of desired thickness. This step ensures that the dough is evenly shaped and ready for toppings.
How to bake pizza: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and place the pizza in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked to perfection.
How To Make Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
This naturally-sweetened pizza dough is loaded with delicious fibers for a healthier pizza! Whip this dough up for your next pizza meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupwarm water
- 2¼tspactive dry yeast
- 2⅓cupswhite whole wheat flour
- 2tbsphoney
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 1½tspsalt
- 3tbspcornmeal
Instructions
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Add the warm water to the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough attachment, then sprinkle the yeast on top of the water.
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Give the yeast a quick stir to mix it in with the water.
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Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
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Turn the mixer onto low speed, then gradually add the flour, honey, olive oil and salt.
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Increase speed to medium-low, then continue mixing the dough for 5 minutes.
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Remove the dough from the mixing bowl, then use hands to shape it into a ball.
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Grease the mixing bowl with olive oil or cooking spray, then place the dough ball back in the bowl. Cover it with a damp towel.
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Place in a warm location, then let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes until the dough has nearly doubled in size.
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
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Turn the dough onto a floured surface, then roll the dough into a 12 to 14-inch round for a thick-crusted pizza.
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Sprinkle a baking sheet or pizza stone evenly with the cornmeal, then place the dough on the baking sheet.
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Top the dough with desired sauce and toppings, then brush the crust with an extra few teaspoons of olive oil or butter.
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Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are melted and cooked.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- To make 2 thin-crust pizzas, cut the dough in half, and roll it into two 12-inch rounds. Bake them for 14 to 16 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 167.15kcal
- Fat: 2.71g
- Saturated Fat: 0.40g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.39g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.62g
- Carbohydrates: 32.90g
- Fiber: 4.20g
- Sugar: 4.51g
- Protein: 5.36g
- Sodium: 177.59mg
- Calcium: 13.68mg
- Potassium: 145.80mg
- Iron: 1.48mg
- Vitamin A: 0.40µg
- Vitamin C: 0.03mg
Expert Tip for Achieving the Perfect Pizza Dough Consistency
When working with yeast, it's important to ensure that the water you're using is the right temperature. Too hot and it can kill the yeast, too cold and it won't activate. Ideally, the water should be between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a kitchen thermometer to check. Also, when rolling out your pizza dough, try to work from the center outwards. This helps to create a uniform thickness and ensures that the dough cooks evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Homemade Pizza Dough
Prep ahead: Make the pizza dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for later use.
Use a food processor: To save time, use a food processor to mix and knead the dough instead of a stand mixer.
Pre-cut toppings: Pre-cut and prepare your pizza toppings in advance and store them in the refrigerator for quick and easy assembly.
Par-bake the crust: Consider par-baking the pizza crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings to ensure a crispy crust in less time.
Invest in a pizza stone: Using a pizza stone can help speed up the baking process and create a crispier crust.
Substitute Ingredients For Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe
warm water - Substitute with room temperature water: Room temperature water can be used as a substitute for warm water in activating the yeast and creating the dough.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used as a substitute for active dry yeast, but it may require less proofing time.
white whole wheat flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute for white whole wheat flour, although it may result in a slightly denser crust.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey to add sweetness to the dough.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for extra-virgin olive oil, providing a similar richness and flavor to the dough.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dough.
cornmeal - Substitute with semolina: Semolina can be used as a substitute for cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking to the baking surface.
Presenting Your Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza
Artisanal dough shaping: Handcraft the whole wheat pizza dough into a perfectly round shape, ensuring an even thickness for a professional presentation.
Elevated sauce application: Use a circular motion to spread the pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border for a visually appealing look.
Topping precision: Arrange the toppings meticulously, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed for a balanced and visually stunning presentation.
Crust finishing: Brush the crust with a light coating of extra-virgin olive oil to enhance its golden-brown color and add a professional sheen.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the finished pizza to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Serve on a wooden board: Present the pizza on a rustic wooden board to add a touch of elegance and showcase the artisanal nature of the dish.
Accompany with flavored oils: Serve the pizza with a side of infused olive oil or chili oil for guests to drizzle over their slices, adding a gourmet touch to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Pizza Dough at Home
- Stand mixer: A stand mixer with a dough attachment is ideal for mixing and kneading the pizza dough, making the process more efficient and less labor-intensive.
- Baking sheet or pizza stone: This is used to bake the pizza in the oven, providing a surface for the dough to cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
- Rolling pin: A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the pizza dough into a round shape of the desired thickness.
- Measuring cups and spoons: These are used to accurately measure the ingredients, ensuring the proper balance of flavors and textures in the pizza dough.
- Oven: The oven is necessary for baking the pizza, allowing the dough to rise and cook to perfection.
- Damp towel: A damp towel is used to cover the dough while it rises, creating a warm and moist environment to promote yeast activation and dough expansion.
- Floured surface: A floured surface provides a non-stick work area for shaping and rolling out the pizza dough.
- Brush: A brush is used to apply a thin layer of olive oil or butter to the pizza crust before baking, enhancing the flavor and promoting browning.
- Food thermometer: A food thermometer can be used to ensure that the water temperature is within the optimal range for activating the yeast.
- Cooling rack: A cooling rack can be used to cool the pizza after baking, allowing air to circulate around the crust and prevent sogginess.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Pizza Dough for Later Use
Once the dough has risen, you can either use it immediately or store it for later use. If you plan to use the dough within a few hours, simply cover it with a damp towel and let it sit at room temperature until ready to use.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days. Before refrigerating, punch down the dough and shape it into a ball. Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to use, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
To freeze the dough, punch it down after the first rise and shape it into a ball. Wrap the dough ball tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to use the frozen dough, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
If you have leftover baked pizza, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating Leftover Pizza: Tips and Tricks
The best way to reheat leftover whole wheat pizza is in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps to restore the texture of the crust and ensures that the toppings are heated through evenly.
Another option is to reheat the pizza in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Place the pizza in the skillet and cover it with a lid to trap the heat and help melt the cheese. This method works well for one or two slices and results in a crispy crust.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the pizza in the microwave. Place the slice(s) on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-45 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through. To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, place a glass of water in the microwave alongside the pizza to help absorb some of the excess moisture.
For a crispy crust, you can also reheat the pizza on a grill or in a toaster oven. Preheat the grill or toaster oven to 350°F and place the pizza directly on the grates or on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your leftover pizza. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the pizza in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method works well for one or two slices and results in a crispy crust without the need for additional oil.
Surprising Facts About Whole Wheat Flour in Pizza Dough
The whole wheat pizza dough recipe is a great source of fiber and nutrients due to the use of white whole wheat flour, providing a healthier alternative to traditional pizza dough. Whole wheat flour contains the entire grain, including the bran and germ, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This makes the pizza dough more nutritious and filling compared to refined white flour. Additionally, the use of honey as a natural sweetener adds a unique flavor profile to the dough, enhancing its taste and providing a healthier sweetening option. Enjoy making and savoring this wholesome pizza dough!
Budget-Friendly Homemade Pizza: Is It Worth It?
This whole wheat pizza dough recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The white whole wheat flour and honey provide a healthy twist, and the versatility of the dough allows for various topping options, including vegetables, meat, and fruits. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10, depending on the toppings used. Overall, this recipe offers a great balance of nutrition, flavor, and affordability, earning a solid 9 out of 10.
Is Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Healthy?
This whole wheat pizza dough recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional pizza dough. Here's why:
- Using whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar
- Olive oil is a healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health
However, there are a few areas where this recipe could be even healthier:
- The recipe still contains a significant amount of carbohydrates and calories, which may not be suitable for those watching their weight or managing diabetes
- The cornmeal used for dusting the baking sheet adds extra calories and carbs without providing much nutritional value
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Experiment with using a mix of whole wheat flour and almond flour or chickpea flour to reduce the overall carbohydrate content and add more protein and healthy fats
- Reduce the amount of honey used or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol
- Use a light hand when brushing the crust with olive oil to minimize added calories
- Top the pizza with plenty of vegetables and lean proteins like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a well-rounded meal
- Serve the pizza with a side salad to add more fiber and nutrients to your plate
Editor's Take: Why This Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe Stands Out
This whole wheat pizza dough recipe is a wholesome and delicious alternative to traditional pizza dough. The use of white whole wheat flour and honey adds a nutty sweetness to the dough, while the olive oil provides a rich flavor. The dough is easy to work with and produces a hearty, flavorful crust that pairs well with a variety of toppings. It's a great way to incorporate whole grains into your pizza night and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces and toppings to create your perfect whole wheat pizza!
Enhance Your Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Delicious Recipes Using Pizza Dough
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Your Homemade Pizza
Why trust this Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe:
This whole wheat pizza dough recipe is a wholesome and nutritious choice for pizza lovers. The use of white whole wheat flour provides a healthier alternative to traditional pizza dough, offering a boost of fiber and nutrients. The addition of honey lends a touch of natural sweetness, while extra-virgin olive oil contributes heart-healthy fats. The dough is carefully crafted to achieve a perfect balance of texture and flavor, ensuring a delightful pizza experience. Trust in the quality of this recipe, as it has been thoughtfully designed to elevate your homemade pizza game.
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