Have you ever wondered what to do with that leftover pizza dough? By turning it into a variety of delicious creations, you can make sure not a single bit of dough goes to waste. Whether you want a quick snack or a fun dessert, the options are nearly limitless.
Using leftover pizza dough can be a great way to get creative in the kitchen. I’ll share 12 unique ideas for transforming that extra dough into tasty treats in this article.
From savory appetizers to sweet desserts, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make the most of your dough.
1. Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are one of my favorite ways to use leftover pizza dough. They are easy to make and taste amazing. Here’s how you can do it:
First, cut the dough into small strips. Tie each strip into a knot and place them on a baking sheet.
Tip: The knots rest for 30 minutes under a clean kitchen towel. This helps them become fluffy and tender.
For the garlic butter:
- Melt some butter in a pan.
- Add minced garlic and oregano.
- Cook briefly, then remove from heat.
Brush this mixture onto the knots before baking.
Here’s a simple baking guide:
| Temperature | Time |
|---|---|
| 400°F | 20-23 minutes |
After baking, brush them again with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle sea salt if you like.
Garlic knots make a great side dish or a tasty snack. There’s just something special about their warm, buttery flavor mixed with garlic.
2. Homemade Calzones
I love using leftover pizza dough to make calzones. They’re like little pockets of cheesy goodness.
First, roll out the dough into circles about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or even your hands if you prefer.
Put your favorite fillings on one half of each circle. I like a mix of mozzarella, pepperoni, and some minced garlic.
Here are some filling ideas:
- Sausage and ricotta cheese
- Leftover chicken with veggies
- Pepperoni and mozzarella with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning
Fold the dough over the fillings and press the edges together tightly. This keeps everything inside during baking.
Add an egg wash on top. Mix one tablespoon of water with an egg white and brush it over each calzone.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
Enjoy them hot with some marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
3. Pizza Dough Pretzels
One of my favorite ways to use leftover pizza dough is to make pretzels. It’s so easy, and the result is a tasty treat!
Ingredients:
- Leftover pizza dough
- Water
- Baking soda
- Coarse salt
- Butter for brushing
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil water and baking soda in a large saucepan. This helps give pretzels their chewy texture.
- Roll your dough into 12-inch ropes and shape them like pretzels.
- Dip each pretzel in the boiling water mixture for about 30 seconds.
- Place the pretzels on the baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Brush with melted butter once out of the oven for extra flavor.
I love how these turn out soft and chewy. Perfect for dipping in mustard!
4. Cheesy Breadsticks
Using leftover pizza dough for cheesy breadsticks is super easy and delicious. I love to make these as a quick snack or to serve with dinner.
First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll out the pizza dough to fit your baking sheet. Brush the dough with melted butter mixed with garlic and Italian seasoning.
Add a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. For the best flavor, I like to use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last minute.
Once done, slice into breadsticks and serve with marinara sauce on the side. These keep well in the fridge for up to a week so that you can enjoy them later, too!
5. Mini Pocket Pizzas
Mini pocket pizzas are a fun way to use up leftover pizza dough. I love making these because they’re quick and tasty.
First, I roll out the pizza dough into small circles. Then, I fill half each circle with cheese, cooked meats, and veggies.
Next, I fold the dough into a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal them.
I brush the mini pockets with olive oil and sprinkle some salt. They bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Roll out dough into circles
- Fill with ingredients
- Fold and seal edges
- Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt
- Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes
These mini-pocket pizzas make a great snack or appetizer. I enjoy mixing different cheeses and toppings to create new flavors.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Bites
Cinnamon Sugar Bites is one of my favorite things to make with leftover pizza dough. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for a quick snack.
First, I roll out the leftover dough into a flat rectangle. Then, I melt some butter and brush it all over the dough.
Next, I mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
I cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces. You can do this using a knife or a pizza cutter.
After that, I place the pieces on a baking sheet. It’s important to leave some space between them so they bake evenly.
They bake in a preheated oven at 375°F. I usually bake them for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
When they come out of the oven, they smell incredible. For a finishing touch, I sometimes drizzle them with a bit of icing or dip them in cream cheese glaze.
These Cinnamon Sugar Bites are a hit with my family and friends. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor.
7. Pizza Doughnuts
I love making pizza doughnuts from leftover pizza dough. They’re simple and delicious!
First, chill the leftover pizza dough. Once it’s firm, roll it into tiny golf balls.
In a shallow bowl, mix:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup cinnamon
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a small pot until it’s hot.
Drop the dough balls into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and let them drain on paper towels.
While they’re still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Enjoy them fresh! They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling creative, fill them with chocolate or jam after frying. Just make a small hole and squeeze in your filling.
8. Stuffed Pizza Rolls
Stuffed pizza rolls are a fantastic way to use up extra pizza dough. They are versatile and can be filled with almost anything.
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Make it into a rectangle about 12 inches by 16 inches.
Cut the rectangle into squares. My tip is to use a pizza cutter for easy slicing.
Fill each square with your favorite toppings. Pepperoni and cheese are classic choices, but you can get creative with other ingredients like cooked sausage, veggies, or even scrambled eggs for a breakfast twist.
Pinch the sides together to form a ball. Place these balls on a greased baking sheet, seam side down.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with some marinara sauce for dipping.
Making stuffed pizza rolls transforms a simple dough into a delightful treat that’s easy to customize and fun to eat.
9. Focaccia Bread
One great idea for leftover pizza dough is making focaccia bread. It’s easy and fun.
First, press the dough into a baking sheet. You can use your fingers to dim the surface.
Drizzle olive oil generously over the top. This will help give the bread a crispy crust.
Add toppings like chopped rosemary, sliced olives, or thinly sliced onions. Sprinkle with salt for extra flavor.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Here’s a quick list of possible toppings:
- Rosemary
- Olives
- Onions
- Cherry tomatoes
- Garlic
I love this recipe because it’s versatile. You can enjoy it as a side dish, dip it in marinara sauce, or use it for sandwiches.
For a helpful quote: “Making focaccia with pizza dough is a great way to enjoy fresh bread quickly.”
Here’s a simple table for baking:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Prep | Press dough into a sheet |
| Season | Add toppings |
| Bake | 400°F for 20 minutes |
Focaccia bread is a solution for leftover pizza dough that adds a delicious touch to any meal.
10. Grilled Pizza
One of my favorite ways to use leftover pizza dough is to grill it. It’s quick and easy and adds an amazing smoky flavor to the pizza.
First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
Brush one side of the dough with olive oil. Place the oiled side down on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks start to show.
Flip the dough, and immediately add your toppings. I like to keep it simple with tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh basil.
Close the grill lid to melt the cheese. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Grilled pizza is perfect for summer barbecues or a quick dinner. It’s a fun way to enjoy that leftover dough in your fridge. Experiment with different toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or anything you love.
Enjoy your fresh, smoky, homemade pizza!
11. Pizza Dough Waffles
Making pizza dough waffles is a fun way to turn leftovers into something new. I love how easy and quick it is to whip up. Here’s how you can do it:
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- Take a small piece of leftover pizza dough.
- Roll it out to fit the waffle iron.
Once your waffle iron is hot, place the dough inside. Close the iron and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the waffle is golden and crispy.
For extra flavor, I sometimes add cheese or pepperoni into the dough before cooking. This makes each bite cheesy and delicious.
Tip: Serve these waffles with pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
Making pizza dough waffles is also a great activity with kids. They can help roll out the dough and watch it transform in the waffle iron.
Here’s a quick table to show you how simple it is:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Preheat | Waffle iron |
| Roll | Dough to fit the iron |
| Cook | 3-5 minutes, until golden |
| Serve | With pizza sauce or marinara |
Enjoy these tasty pizza dough waffles as a snack or a light meal!
12. Pizza Dough Empanadas
I love making pizza dough empanadas. They’re easy to prepare and so delicious.
First, roll out the leftover dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Then, using a cookie cutter or a bowl, cut the dough into circles.
Next, add your favorite filling. Cheese, chicken, and veggies work great. Add a pinch of salt and some Italian seasoning.
Fold the dough circles in half over the filling. Press the edges firmly together, or use a fork to seal.
For a golden finish, beat one egg and brush the tops of the empanadas with a pastry brush.
Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.
