Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients and easy steps
- No fancy equipment or stand mixer needed
- Ready in just over an hour
- Perfect texture: soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy
- Ideal for dipping, stuffing, or baking as-is
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
- Customizable with herbs, cheese, or fillings
- Fun for kids to help shape and roll
- Great for parties, lunchboxes, or weeknight dinners
- Tastes better than store-bought dough
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, shredded cheese, or herbs for extra flavor
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy (if using active dry yeast).
- Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions. Roll each into a ball, about the size of a golf ball.
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Optional: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic or herbs while warm.
Servings and timing
Makes about 12–16 dough balls, depending on size.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 45–60 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Cheese-stuffed: Add a small cube of mozzarella in the center before rolling.
- Garlic herb: Mix Italian seasoning and garlic powder into the dough or brush on top.
- Whole wheat: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the dough.
- Sweet version: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top after baking.
- Mini calzones: Fill with sauce, cheese, and toppings before sealing into balls.
- Pizza sliders: Slice open baked balls and stuff with pepperoni and cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep baked dough balls for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked dough balls for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 15–30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
Do I need to let the dough rise twice?
One rise is sufficient, but a second rise after shaping adds extra fluffiness if you have time.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely. Pre-made dough works great if you’re short on time.
Why is my dough not rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm (not hot), around 105–110°F.
Can I stuff the dough balls with fillings?
Yes! Cheese, pepperoni, or even cooked sausage work great as fillings.
What type of flour is best?
All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour will give a slightly chewier texture.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, use the dough hook and mix for 5–6 minutes until the dough is smooth.
How do I keep the dough balls soft?
Don’t overbake and brush with melted butter right after baking to keep them tender.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze dough balls before baking. Thaw and let rise before putting them in the oven.
Are these good for kids?
Yes! They’re fun to make and easy to eat, perfect for lunchboxes or snack time.
Conclusion
Easy Pizza Dough Balls are a fantastic homemade alternative to frozen snacks and pre-packaged dough. Whether you serve them plain, stuffed, or seasoned, they’re sure to please kids and adults alike. With just a few ingredients and a little hands-on time, you’ll have warm, fresh dough balls ready for dipping, snacking, or building mini pizzas.
PrintEasy Pizza Dough Balls
Easy Pizza Dough Balls are soft, fluffy bite-sized versions of classic pizza dough—perfect for dipping, stuffing, or serving as a fun snack or party appetizer. Made with simple ingredients and no special equipment, they’re ready in just over an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 dough balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant or active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (105–110°F)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: melted butter, garlic, herbs for brushing
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes if using active dry yeast (skip if using instant yeast).
- Add olive oil, salt, and flour (plus garlic powder or herbs if using). Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12–16 equal pieces. Roll into balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Optional: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with herbs or garlic while warm.
Notes
- For a fluffier texture, allow a second rise after shaping dough balls.
- Add mozzarella cubes inside each ball for a cheesy center.
- Bread flour can be used for a chewier dough.
- Let dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) if your kitchen is cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dough ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
