Prop styling by Shiri Feldman
Food prep and styling by chef Suzie Gornish
Photography by Felicia Perretti

REMEMBER WHEN PIZZA dough was strictly for pizza, and pizza was usually on Motzaei Shabbos? Now, garlic knots, quiches, meat pizzas, and even cinnamon buns are all fair game. Pizza dough is versatile and user-friendly any night of the week. Of course, there’s the frozen variety from the grocery store, and honestly, that usually works just fine. But the underrated fact about pizza dough is that it’s super simple to make and pretty foolproof. And you can’t compare the texture of homemade crust to anything else. Even better? Make any of these recipes ahead of time and freeze it for a different night. Like your own personal freezer aisle.

“Dough” My Goodness Pizza

Contributed by Adina Litenatsky 

In the warm embrace of my kitchen, my passion for changing and creating new recipes thrives. I cherish the moments I spend cooking and baking with my children, constantly adding new twists to our favorite recipes. This is a recipe that my husband and I created. We proudly call it “Dough” My Goodness Pizza!

YIELDS 2 MEDIUM PIES OR 25 MINI PIES

• 4½ cups flour
• ½ Tbsp salt
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1¾ cups very cold water
• ¼ cup oil

Mix all dry ingredients together, then slowly add the water until combined. Add oil and mix into the dough. Place the dough in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Leave the dough to rise overnight in the refrigerator and use it within three days.

Basic Pizza Dough 

Contributed by S. Schon

My mom always made this pizza dough recipe. I’ve tried different recipes over the years but somehow always come back to this one. It’s a winner!

YIELDS 1 LARGE COOKIE SHEET OR 2 12-INCH (30-CM) PIES

• 2½ ¼-oz (7-g) packets yeast
• 4 Tbsp sugar
• 2 cups warm water
• 1½ tsp salt
• 5 cups flour
• ¼ cup oil

Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water, and let it sit until it bubbles up.

In a separate bowl, combine salt, flour, oil, and yeast mixture. Put the salt on the bottom, under the flour, so it doesn’t touch the yeast. Mix to form a dough.

Let the dough rise for at least 1 hour.

Best Overnight Pizza

Contributed by Perel G.

This pizza is a crowd favorite and super easy to make. Prepare it the night before and have supper ready in just a few minutes. Enjoy!

YIELDS 2 12-INCH (30-CM) PIES

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 5 tsp yeast
• ⅓ cup warm water
• 1 cup apple juice or milk
• oregano, to taste

Mix all ingredients together and let the dough rise until it doubles in size.

Thanks to the N’shei of Khal Rina U’tefilah (Rabbi Bromberg’s shul) in Detroit for hosting this tasting party.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 878)