Herbed Whole Wheat Pizza Dough with Rich Tomato Sauce
This herbed whole wheat pizza dough recipe strikes a perfect balance between flavor and nutrition, using a blend of white and whole wheat flour for a crust that's both hearty and delicious. It holds up beautifully to your favorite toppings, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. The addition of olive oil not only enhances the taste but also provides a hint of richness. Accompanied by a robust tomato sauce infused with red wine and fragrant oregano, this pizza is sure to impress at family gatherings or casual dinners. Plus, with easy freezing methods available, you can prepare ahead and enjoy homemade pizza any time you crave it!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
yeast
3/4 tablespoon (Active dry yeast, sprinkled over warm water)
warm water
1 1/2 cups (Warm, not boiling)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (Fine salt)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (Extra virgin, for dough, plus additional for the sauce)
flour
4 cups (Half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (Unopened)
red wine or water
1/2 cup (Used in tomato sauce)
oregano
1 teaspoon (Dried)
sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated)
vegetable oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon (Used in sauce preparation)
Parmesan cheese
1-2 tablespoon (Grated)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. If desired, add a pinch of sugar to help activate the yeast.
2
Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the salt, olive oil, and half the flour until combined.
3
Gradually mix in the remaining flour, using your hands or a wooden spoon, until the dough starts to come together.
4
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
6
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Let it rise again until doubled in size, about 30 more minutes.
7
After the second rise, divide the dough in half. Pat each portion out onto greased pizza pans to form the crust.
8
For the sauce, in another bowl, mix together the tomato paste, red wine or water, oregano, salt, sugar, vegetable or olive oil, and Parmesan cheese until fully blended. Add garlic powder if desired.
9
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the prepared pizza crusts, then add your favorite toppings.
10
Bake the pizzas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
11
To freeze the prepared pizzas, double wrap them in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and place them in the freezer without baking. When ready to bake, unwrap and bake directly from the freezer for about 22 minutes at 400°F.
12
Alternatively, for freezing dough, after the first punch down, divide it and place each portion in a zip-loc bag. Freeze for later use. To prepare, remove from the freezer, place in a greased bowl, and allow it to thaw and rise for about 8-10 hours before patting it out onto a greased pizza pan.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of this pizza dough?
This recipe strikes a balance between flavor and nutrition by using a blend of white and whole wheat flour for a hearty crust.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a mixture of 4 cups of flour, consisting of half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.
How long should I let the yeast sit in water?
You should let the yeast sit in warm water for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Is there a way to help activate the yeast faster?
Yes, you can add a pinch of sugar to the warm water to help activate the yeast.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
What should the dough texture be like after kneading?
After kneading, the dough should feel smooth and elastic.
How should I let the dough rise?
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place.
How long is the first rise?
The first rise takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
What is the purpose of punching down the dough?
Punching the dough down gently helps to release the air before the second rise.
Does the dough need a second rise?
Yes, after punching it down, let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes until it doubles in size once more.
How many pizza crusts does this recipe make?
This recipe makes enough dough for two pizza crusts when divided in half.
How do I prepare the pizza pans?
The pizza pans should be greased before patting out the dough portions onto them.
What are the ingredients for the rich tomato sauce?
The sauce includes tomato paste, red wine or water, oregano, salt, sugar, vegetable or olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute the red wine in the sauce?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of water instead of red wine for the tomato sauce.
What optional spice can be added to the sauce?
Garlic powder can be added to the sauce if desired for extra flavor.
How do I prepare the tomato sauce?
Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until they are fully blended before spreading onto the crust.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The pizzas should be baked in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long does the pizza take to bake?
The pizza takes 20-25 minutes to bake, or until the crust is golden brown.
Can I freeze the pizzas before baking?
Yes, you can double wrap unbaked pizzas in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store them in the freezer.
How do I bake a frozen, unbaked pizza?
Unwrap the frozen pizza and bake it directly from the freezer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 22 minutes.
Can I freeze just the dough itself?
Yes, the dough can be frozen in zip-loc bags after the first punch down.
How do I use the dough after it has been frozen?
Remove it from the freezer, place it in a greased bowl, and allow it to thaw and rise for 8-10 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pizza recipe.
What kind of oil is used in the dough?
The dough uses 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the description notes it is a hit with both kids and adults.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
Grated Parmesan cheese is mixed directly into the tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 16 servings.
What type of yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 tablespoon of active dry yeast.
How much tomato paste is needed?
One 6-ounce can of tomato paste is used for the sauce.
What is the serving size for this pizza?
While the recipe yields 16 servings, specific serving size dimensions are not provided.