We all love to make baked goods from scratch, but sometimes we want to take a different approach. Whether you are short on time or ingredients, you are thinking of making pizza with dough from your local grocery store.
As you want your pizza to turn out perfectly, perhaps you are wondering “Does store bought pizza dough need to rise?” When you want the best results, the answer is “Yes!”
Why Store Bought Pizza Dough Needs To Rise?
Similar to homemade pizza and other home baked goods, store bought pizza dough contains yeast. This is true for both fresh and frozen doughs.
The yeast is only activated and working when the dough is rising. While this causes many positive effects on the dough, it affects the dough’s consistency and texture.
If you do not allow the dough time to rise, the crust will be too flat and it will also affect the taste.
Rising Store Bought Pizza Dough: An Easy Process
You do not need to be intimidated by the thought of rising your dough. It is a simple process that takes very little time
You can use this same process whether the dough you purchased is fresh or frozen. If you are working with frozen dough, though, make sure it has adequate time to defrost before you start the rising process.
Spread a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil on the pizza pan. Spread or unroll the dough so it covers the bottom of the pan.
Now is the time for your dough to rise. You have two basic options. It can either rise on the countertop or in your oven.
If you choose the countertop, the area should be warm and free from drafts. If you prefer the oven, it should be warm when you place the dough in it.
It does not take a long time for the dough to rise. 15-20 minutes is ideal. You can then bake your pizza. Follow the directions on the pizza dough package.
Should You Add Toppings And Sauce Before Rising?
While this step is entirely up to you, you may want to consider the benefits of adding these ingredients before your dough starts its rising process.
The ingredients will not interfere with the dough rising. In fact, it will have the opposite effect. The dough’s rise will be preserved. This will not occur if you add your toppings after the dough has risen. Instead, your dough will start to deflate.
However, you do have another option that can work quite well. After allowing the dough to rise, bake it for approximately 7 minutes. Remove it from the oven, add your toppings and sauce, and then bake until it is done. If you choose this option, the dough will rise appropriately. It will not be affected by the toppings.
Both of these options will keep the dough in excellent condition. When you want the best results, do not allow the dough to rise and simply add the sauce and toppings afterward. You should either spread all of the ingredients on the dough before it starts to rise or pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. You do not want the crust to be too flat and tasteless.
Why Should You Try Store Bought Pizza Dough?
When you first read these tips, it may seem as if store bought pizza dough is time-consuming and complicated to use. While the tips are relatively easy, you will appreciate the benefits.
First, whether you choose frozen dough or fresh dough, it can save time. Putting these few tips into action takes much less time than making your pizza dough from scratch.
Second, you can save money. If you do not have all of the ingredients on hand to make homemade dough, store bought pizza dough is a budget-friendly alternative. The dough is all you will need to buy.
Third, store bought dough is ideal for beginners. If you have little or no experience with home baking, pizza dough may seem especially intimidating. Although it is not difficult, you may be concerned about making a mistake. You can have perfect pizza with store bought dough, even if you have never baked before.
Fourth, some home bakers do not like messes in their kitchens. Your kitchen can stay neat, and you can avoid clutter, by choosing store bought pizza dough. There will be less for you to clean up after your pizza is finished.
A fifth reason, and perhaps the most important, is store bought pizza dough is a healthy option. If you choose a quality product, it will not be loaded with preservatives and other artificial ingredients.
It is definitely healthier than buying a ready-made pizza from your local grocery store. If you order pizza from well-known companies that deliver to your home, they are not all entirely free of artificial ingredients either.
When you want the healthiest pizza for your family, the smartest approach is to make your own. Store bought dough is an easy shortcut that will not affect the quality of your pizza.
It Is Time To Make Pizza!
If you are like most of us, you have tried ready-made pizza. If you were lucky, it did not taste awful, but it still seemed to lack something.
Perhaps the texture of the crust was not appealing, or the toppings were not what you liked. Perhaps you simply did not want to feed your family a dinner that came out of a box.
These are only some of the common complaints you can avoid by creating your own pizza at home.
The texture will be perfect, and you can use the toppings you prefer.
You can serve a healthier, more appealing meal to your family.
It is not extremely difficult to make pizza from scratch. When you start with store bought dough, though, you will appreciate the differences.
Everything about your pizza will be perfect, while you save time and money.
Now you know the answer to “Does store bought pizza dough need to rise?” you are ready to choose a quality dough for your pizza.
Do not be surprised if your family tells you it is the best pizza they have ever eaten. Even with this shortcut, you will be proud to serve pizza that you made yourself.