Yes, you can definitely freeze store-bought pizza dough to extend its shelf life and give yourself more time for prep and baking. Freezing pizza dough is a great way to plan ahead and have dough ready whenever you want to make homemade pizzas.
Here's how you can freeze store-bought pizza dough:
Check the expiration date: Before freezing the pizza dough, make sure to check the expiration date on the packaging. It's best to freeze the dough before it reaches its expiration date for the best results.
Divide the dough (optional): If you have a large amount of dough, consider dividing it into smaller portions that are suitable for individual pizzas. This will make it easier to thaw and work with later on.
Wrap the dough: Wrap each portion of pizza dough tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can use freezer-safe resealable plastic bags. Make sure the wrapping is airtight to prevent freezer burn.
Label and date: If you have multiple portions of dough, label each one with the date of freezing so you can keep track of its freshness.
Freeze the dough: Place the wrapped dough in the freezer and make sure it lays flat so that it will be easier to thaw later.
When you're ready to use the frozen pizza dough:
Thaw in the refrigerator: Take the wrapped dough out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Slow thawing in the refrigerator helps the dough retain its texture.
Allow it to come to room temperature: Before using the dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will make it easier to stretch and shape.
Preheat the oven and bake as usual: Preheat your oven according to your pizza recipe's instructions, then proceed with topping the dough and baking it as you normally would.
By freezing store-bought pizza dough, you can have the convenience of readily available dough without worrying about it going bad before you have a chance to use it. It's a time-saving and practical way to enjoy homemade pizzas whenever you want.