Make Ahead Pizza Dough – Easy Homemade Recipe

This make ahead pizza dough recipe is perfect for anyone who loves homemade pizza but needs a more convenient way to prepare it. With just a few simple ingredients, you can mix and knead the dough in minutes, then let it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When pizza night arrives, simply bring the dough to room temperature, roll it out, and add your favorite toppings. The result is a fresh, chewy, and delicious crust that tastes just like it came from a pizzeria. Save time without sacrificing flavor with this easy make ahead pizza dough.

Key Ingredients for Make Ahead Pizza Dough:

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful fig pockets:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 105-115°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Fig Filling:

• 1 pound dried figs, stemmed
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

For Brushing/Topping (Optional):

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Turbinado sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

How to Make Make Ahead Pizza Dough:

These Make Ahead Pizza Dough are easier to make than you might think! The dough comes together quickly, and a simple fig filling adds an irresistible sweetness.

These are a wonderful way to showcase the natural flavors of figs. From start to finish, expect the entire process, including dough rising, to take around 3-4 hours.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fig Filling:

• Chop the dried figs into small pieces. A food processor makes this easier, but you can also do it by hand.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped figs, raisins, water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the figs are soft and the mixture has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

2. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
• Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Assemble the Make Ahead Pizza Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out circles, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Place a spoonful of the cooled fig filling in the center of each circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.

5. Bake the Make Ahead Pizza Dough:

• Place the assembled Make Ahead Pizza Dough on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
• If desired, brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden sheen and sprinkle with turbinado sugar or granulated sugar.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Make Ahead Pizza Dough

These Hutterite Make Ahead Pizza Dough are incredibly special because they combine the comforting simplicity of homemade bread with the sweet, spiced flavors of a homemade fig filling. Making them at home is much cheaper than buying similar pastries, and you get to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients.

The warm, cinnamon-spiced fig filling is what makes them particularly irresistible. While some might compare them to fruit-filled hand pies, the slightly denser dough and the unique blend of spices in the fig filling set them apart. Try these, and you’ll understand why this recipe has been treasured for generations!

What to Serve Make Ahead Pizza Dough With:

These sweet fig pockets are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to enhance your enjoyment:

• Coffee or Tea: Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a simple breakfast.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy coolness that complements the warm, spiced figs.
• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a delicate sweetness and airy texture.
• A Glass of Milk: A classic pairing for a comforting snack.

Top Tips for Perfecting Make Ahead Pizza Dough:

• Fig Variety: Use a good quality dried fig. Mission figs tend to be sweeter, while Calimyrna figs have a milder flavor. Choose your favorite or use a combination!
• Yeast Activity: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t foam when mixed with warm milk, it may be expired.
• Kneading Time: Don’t skimp on the kneading! This is crucial for developing the gluten and creating a soft, elastic dough.
• Filling Consistency: If the fig filling seems too dry, add a little more water. If it’s too wet, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
• Sealing the Edges: Make sure to pinch the edges of the Make Ahead Pizza Dough very tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out. A fork can help create a better seal.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Storing: Store cooled Make Ahead Pizza Dough in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them, as they may become tough.
• Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled Make Ahead Pizza Dough in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Final Thoughts:

This Hutterite Make Ahead Pizza Dough recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of figs in a comforting and satisfying pastry. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, a cozy snack, or a unique dessert, these little fig pockets are sure to please. With their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, they’re perfect for bakers of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Make Ahead Pizza Dough!

For More Recipes:
Love this Hutterite Tomato Canning & Preserves recipe? You’ll enjoy more traditional homemade dishes here:

• Hutterite Cottage Cheese Perogies Recipe
• Hutterite Egg Dumpling Soup
• Hutterite Banana Bread Recipe
• Hutterite Schuten Pie Recipe

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Make Ahead Pizza Dough

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• Author: Ruthie Miller
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus resting time)
• Yield: 2 large pizzas 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and convenient make-ahead pizza dough that can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and rolled out when ready to bake.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
6. When ready to use, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling out.

Notes

For best results, use bread flour for extra chewiness. Dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Pizza
• Method: No-Cook (make-ahead)
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg