How To Defrost Pizza Dough? (Thawing Tactics)

Pizza dough is frozen to keep it in the best state. And since it requires too much time to make, people prefer to make large batches of dough and then freeze it so that the next time they have to make a pizza, you have to take it out of the freezer, defrost it and make a delicious pizza on it.

Or there is always another option, to buy the pizza dough from the grocery store and then freeze it until needed.

However, all seems merry until you have to defrost the dough, and this is where many people struggle. Sometimes the dough becomes watery; other times, it becomes stretchy like rubber. So, if you are on that bandwagon, then this blog is for you.

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How To Defrost Pizza Dough?

When you have to defrost the pizza dough, there is a better way than all other ways. However, for that, you will need a lot of time, so get ready.

There is a common fault when defrosting dough that everyone makes when thawing pizza dough, and it is due to the time issue. When you have limited time to make pizza, you put the dough on the kitchen counter to thaw. 

But, little do you know that this forced thawing will make the outsides thaw faster than the insides of the dough.

This will not only make it mushy but will also start the process of fermentation because the insides will be frozen, but the outsides will be completely thawed.

If this happens, you can assure yourself that your pizza will have uneven texture and (in some cases) even a funny smell. So, then how should I defrost the pizza dough? Do you ask? Let me tell you how:

#1- Refrigerator

The first method is by using your fridge. It will greatly interest you because it is the foolproof way to defrost your pizza dough without spoiling it. It is convenient because you can just leave your dough in the fridge overnight until you are ready to use it. 

It is one of those ways that everyone prefers because, in the fridge, the pizza dough thaws at the same speed from inside and outside, lowering the fermentation process. 

However, in this method, you must put the dough in the fridge 24 hours before using it so it thaws properly.

#2- Use your countertop for the task.

I know; I just told you not to use the counter to defrost your pizza dough. However, of course, you can use it if you don’t have time.

But, there are a few drawbacks of defrosting your dough on the counter; you must use it asap because the fermentation can make your dough sour.

Similarly, if you have defrosted your dough on the counter and some of it is left (try to use all the dough), then you should freeze it again immediately because leaving it can spoil it.

You should also know frozen food becomes contaminated in warm places if left out for a long. So try to avoid using this method, and if you do, ensure that no dough is left over.

#3- Use the room temperature method.

The third best way that I have for you is to use the room temperature method. It is similar to the counter method; all you need to do is put the pizza dough on the kitchen slab for at least 3 hours before making the pizza.

However, one specific thing to remember is that you don’t cover the dough when you are putting it on the counter. 

So, open the dough wrapping, place it in a bowl, and cover it with a net or lid with holes. This will allow the fumes to escape.

#4- Oven Method

If you don’t have 24 hours at your hand, then the oven method is an easy and effective one. It is a wonderful way to defrost your pizza dough, and it won’t even make your dough worked up, soggy, or dry.

To use the oven, you need to preheat your oven to 100F, and then once the oven is nice and warm, put the dough in an oven-safe container and put it in the oven. 

If you overheat the oven or keep the flame on while the dough is frozen, it can make it soggy and condense. The oven’s heat will slowly defrost your dough and prepare it for the pizza in just a few minutes.

#5- Using a Microwave

Microwave is the quickest way to defrost the pizza. There is no harm in taking benefit of a modern device and getting your pizza dough to defrost in 2 minutes.

So, a microwave is the best option if you can’t wait around 12 -24 hours for your dough to defrost and if you have forgotten to take out the dough beforehand. 

It takes up to 10 minutes to defrost the dough in the microwave. Take the dough balls from your freezer and place them in the oiled microwave-safe bowl.

Then cover the dough with oil and cover the dough with a microwave save cover and turn the microwave on for 25 seconds. 

Then flip the dough and run the microwave for 25 more seconds. Continue to do this until your dough is completely thawed. Keep your microwave on ‘thaw.’

#6- Thaw pizza dough in warm water

This is yet another way to thaw your pizza quickly. It also takes only 10 minutes to thaw the frozen dough completely.

With this method, your dough doesn’t become soggy or sticky. Instead, it can come out fresh from the pack after using this method.

image of pizza dough in a bowl and with flour

You can also multi-task while the dough is soaking in the warm water because it is a slow process (but still takes only 10 minutes). Once your dough is done, it will be full of elasticity and softness.

All you should do is put your dough in warm water while it is still in its package so that the water doesn’t make it soggy.

Let it sit in warm water for 10 minutes and see the magic of frozen dough turn into thawed dough. You may put warm water again if it gets cold and the dough is not softened.

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How long does it take to defrost pizza dough?

The time required to defrost pizza dough varies from technique to technique and the size of the dough ball. It can take around 12 hours in the fridge to properly thaw. But, in warm water and an oven, it might take only 10 minutes. 

So, the best way to determine the time it takes, you should keep checking the dough after every few minutes to see if it has defrosted or not; it doesn’t matter which technique you are using.

Will frozen dough rise again?

The frozen dough, when thawed, can quickly rise again. If the dough went through rising before freezing, it would still rise as long as it was not over-proofed the first time. And if you need your thawed dough, there is a big chance your dough will rise again.

Final Verdict:

Now that you have learned all about thawing pizza dough and the various techniques that you can use, there is an excellent chance that you will be able to thaw your dough quickly. 

However, I would like to endorse that the best way to thaw your dough is by keeping it in the fridge so it defrosts slowly and safely.

However, if you want to follow any other technique, then you can do so. Properly following the technique will help keep your dough soft and fresh so that you may make the best pizza ever.