Make-Ahead Pizza Dough for the Freezer

I love pizza and I often have make ahead pizza dough in my freezer. Pizza is eaten all times of the day and for every meal in our house. When I have the time to make pizza dough, I will make two (or four) at one time and freeze what I am not using. Making a few make-ahead pizza dough crusts is easy – especially if you are blessed to have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a Dough Hook.

The Mediterranean Diet focuses on whole grains, so it is best when making pizza dough to include whole wheat flour in the recipe. Depending on the type of pizza I am making I either use use King Arthur Flour 100% Whole Wheat or  King Arthur White Whole Wheat Multi Purpose Flour. Wheat flour is perfect for make-ahead pizza dough.

Pizza at Any Time of Day is Perfect

Pizza is eaten all times of the day and for every meal in our house. In the morning we might enjoy an Easy and Beautiful Breakfast Pizza. At lunch time I might make an extra-virgin olive oil topped pizza with heaping handfuls of fresh arugula or spinach on top. The fresh crunch of the greens is similar to enjoying a refreshing a salad, but the warm crust makes it a heartier meal. Right before serving, I pour a sweet and tart aged-balsamic on the greens.

I include flat breads in my pizza food group, and love that I can use half a dough round, roll it flat and have a delicious flat bread for a nice tapas with friends. I often make a sweet flatbread, with goat cheese, golden raisins and honey to enjoy with girl friends with coffee on a quick girls night get together. Pizza for dinner is always perfect. I love to top pizza with drops of rich pecorino romano slices, tangy tomato-pulp, basil from my herb-garden, and a medley of olives.

All Pizzas are Not Equal

I think it is clear – I love pizza, but really, who doesn’t? I am so grateful pizza is on the Mediterranean Diet. Pizza should be its own food group. All pizzas are not equal. It is important to use Mediterranean Diet compliant ingredients. I use sheep or goat cheese on my pizza as they are the preferred cheeses on this way of eating. Also, the pizza should not be floating in cheese. Sprinkle a more pungent cheese, like Pecorino Romano or Feta, to add more flavor to the pizza than mozzarella. The Mediterranean Diet focuses on whole grains, extra virgin olive oil and vegetables. I make sure to use those foods on pizza and avoid meat on our pizza. A make-ahead pizza dough ensures complete control on the ingredients.

Make Ahead Prep Reduces Temptation

After doing the Mediterranean Diet for 5-6 months, I indulged in my old “favorite” pizza from a local pizzeria. It smelled delicious, and I knew they had prepared a good pizza. I found I do not like the “old” pizza as much as I like the Mediterranean Diet compliant pizzas I now make at home. After a long day, I am often tempted to order a take-out pizza. Having make-ahead pizza dough in my freezer helps me stick to my healthier, tastier choice!