How to get the store-bought pizza dough to stretch?
Are you looking for an easy yet effective way to stretch out store-bought pizza dough? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will show you how to take the store-bought dough and turn it into a perfect, thin-crust pizza that your guests will love. With just a few simple steps and some patience, stretching the dough is not only possible but relatively easy as well!
We’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to get the store-bought pizza dough to stretch just right so that you can create mouthwatering meals in no time. Whether it’s for an intimate evening with friends or a family feast, this technique will help make sure everyone has plenty of cheesy goodness to enjoy!
How to Prepare Pizza Dough for Stretching?
Bring it to room temperature
Before you can stretch your pizza dough, it’s important to bring it to room temperature first. This will make the dough easier to shape and prevent it from snapping back like a rubber band. Here are the steps you need to follow to prepare your dough for stretching.
If your dough is cold, let it warm up at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Gluten, the protein that gives pizza dough its chewiness, is tighter in cold temperatures, which can make it harder to stretch.
If your dough is in plastic wrap or from the freezer, remove it from the packaging and transfer it to an oiled mixing bowl. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm location for at least 30 minutes.
If you’re using homemade pizza dough that you’ve made the same day, you should start this step after the first 1 1/2 to 2-hour rise time and after you’ve divided the dough into two portions.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pizza dough is ready to be stretched and shaped into the perfect crust.
How to Prep Your Workspace for Perfect Pizza Dough
Preparing pizza dough may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can create a delicious pie every time. One essential step is prepping your workspace with a key ingredient: olive oil.
Traditionally, flour is used to keep the dough from sticking to surfaces, but too much can result in a tough crust. Instead, apply 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to your work surface and hands. This will prevent sticking while also promoting a golden, crispy crust.
In addition, consider lining your pizza peel with parchment paper or sprinkling it with cornmeal for added ease and flavor.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to perfect pizza every time.
Press Before You Stretch
To ensure your pizza dough turns out just right, it’s important to follow proper preparation techniques. Follow these steps for a perfectly shaped and delicious pizza crust.
Step 1: Flatten the Dough: Before stretching the dough, it’s crucial to flatten it into a disc. Use the palm of your hand to press the dough down into a large flat disc.
Step 2: Spread the Dough: With the middle three fingers on each hand, gently press the dough out from the center. This will help widen the flattened dough into a circle that’s about 6 inches in diameter and half an inch thick.
Step 3: Test the Dough: The dough should be soft and pliable, and it shouldn’t shrink back when you press it. It’s okay if the flattened disc isn’t perfectly round at this stage.
It’s normal for your dough to shrink a bit, but if it snaps back quickly, take a break. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, start again with step 3. Repeat this process until the dough holds its shape.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to delicious homemade pizza in no time.
How to get the store-bought pizza dough to stretch
When it comes to stretching pizza dough, using your knuckles and tossing it in the air may look impressive, but it’s not the best technique. For an even crust, keep the dough close and use hand pulling and gravity.
To start, pick up the dough and hold it with both hands on one edge, letting the rest hang down. Keep the top of the dough facing you to monitor thickness. Gently rotate the dough in one direction while pulling it from hand to hand. Let gravity do some of the stretching work.
Quickly stretch the pizza until it’s 11 inches in diameter and 1/3 inch thick. Don’t worry if there are thin spots or holes; they can be fixed in the next step.
Tips for Stretching and Topping Perfect Pizza Dough
Achieving a perfect pizza crust is a skill that requires patience and attention to detail. After stretching your dough on a pizza peel, carefully transfer it to a prepared sheet pan. If you notice any imperfections in the dough, now is the time to fix them.
As the dough may be shrinking back slightly, press any thick edges out to about 1/3 inch thick and “pinch” thin or torn areas closed. The goal before adding toppings is to have a mostly even 10-inch-wide circle that’s about 1/3 of an inch thick, without overworking the dough.
While perfection isn’t necessary, keep in mind that the toppings will weigh down the center and the crust will puff up nicely in the oven. With a little practice, you can become a true pizza pro.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many ways to stretch store-bought pizza dough and make it into your perfect version. Depending on the time and process you would like to have, there is an option for you! If you are looking for something quick but still tasteful, choosing the rolling pin method could work well for you. On the other hand, if you wanted to create a more distinct pizza shape and feel more in control of your pizza’s outcome, then trying out the kneading or tossing methods will best produce that result.
No matter which method you decide to use though, it is crucial to remember not to overwork your store-bought pizza dough as this could ultimately lead to kicking in elasticity. After experimenting with whichever method strikes your fancy, you can create a fantastic pizza that rivals any regular pizza joint around!
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References:
How to prep your store-bought pizza dough?
The 5 Key Steps to Stretching Pizza Dough
How to Stretch Pizza Dough: 4 Tips for Stretching Pizza Dough
I’m Vance Douglas, and I love making pizza. In fact, I love it so much that I decided to build my own oven to make it in. It’s a brick oven that I made myself, and it’s the best pizza oven you’ll ever find.
Making pizza is a passion of mine, and I’m always looking for new ways to make it even better. I’ve been making pizza for years, and I continue to learn more about the art every day. My goal is to create the perfect pizza, and I’m getting closer and closer every time.
