What makes bread dough different from pizza dough? Many of us struggle to tell the difference between the two, simply because dough is dough. But I'm here to change that, because contrary to what you might want to believe, there are significant differences between the two types of dough, and we're going to break them down piece by piece. Here are some of the key differences between the two doughs.
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Bread dough vs pizza dough
While bread dough and pizza dough have some obvious similarities, ie they are both made from flour and water, there are some clear differences between them.
Let's take a look at some differences and similarities between the two types of dough.
Ingredients
The ingredients for bread dough and pizza dough are almost the same. You can make pizza dough from bread flour, water, salt, oil and yeast, which can be commercial yeast or the beginning of sourdough. Likewise, you can make bread dough from exactly the same ingredients.
Although, bread dough can often include additional ingredients compared to pizza dough. Bread dough can include eggs, butter, cream, milk, a little sugar, and a variety of other ingredients.
The pizza dough doesn't contain a lot of flavoring simply because of the delicious toppings.
Compared to bread dough, pizza dough has a lower fat content, although this does not affect the toppings you choose to add.
Moisture content
In general, bread dough has a higher moisture content than pizza dough, simply because bread dough requires a higher water-to-flour ratio.
The oil content of pizza dough gives a hydration level of 50-70%, while bread dough can reach up to 90% hydration.
Gluten
One of the main differences between the two types of dough is the level of gluten.
Pizza dough requires a higher level of gluten, as the dough needs to be able to stretch and expand to make that wide, circular, tomato sauce-based dessert we all know and love.
On the other hand, bread dough BEN it requires a lot of gluten development, however, it does not necessarily have to be as elastic as pizza dough, because its purpose and result are completely different from pizza dough.
While pizza dough is often made with a higher protein flour (bread flour), bread dough can also be made with bread flour. Although sometimes, bread dough can be made with a lower protein flour, such as all-purpose flour.
Boiling process
The cooking process of both types of dough differs. Boiling is a strategy used to create stronger gluten networks in the dough.
Both bread dough and pizza dough require a strong gluten network, however, pizza dough generally contains more gluten than bread dough, as it is often mixed vigorously for added elasticity.
For the perfect pizza dough recipe, you'll want a chewier crust, compared to a softer sandwich-style bread. Although, the chewy crust of sourdough bread is highly prized.
Fermentation
Both bread dough and pizza dough require a specific rise time, eg room temperature fermentation, so that the dough can rise well. This will depend on whether you are using commercial yeast or a sourdough starter for your dough.
If you're using a starter, the dough's rising time is generally called fermentation.
The difference between the two doughs is that pizza generally requires a shorter rise than bread dough, unless you use a sourdough starter in your pizza dough.
Cooking Method
The cooking methods for the two types of dough can be quite different depending on the type of pizza or bread you are making.
Pizza is often placed in one pizza stoneand baked at very high temperatures.
Bread is baked at a lower temperature in a loaf pan or in a cast iron pot ie. Dutch oven. Although artisan bread it can also be baked on a hot stone depending on the type of crust you hope to achieve.
Bread requires steam to create a crisp crust, whereas pizza does not as it is baked on a stone at high heat.
Can you swap pizza dough and bread dough?
The answer depends on the ingredients in the dough. For example, you cannot make pizza from croissant dough, or make croissants from pizza dough.
A basic bread dough that does not contain fat or milk is probably the best dough to substitute for pizza dough. Similarly, pizza dough with olive oil added to it can be used as regular bread dough and baked into a delicious loaf of bread.
The type of dough you use will also determine the type of crust you hope to achieve. Thin crust pizzas are very different from thick crust pizzas. You may need to change the type of flour you are using to achieve these results.
Bread dough is often best used for a deep-dish pizza, and not necessarily for a thin-crust pizza.
Used for leftover pizza dough
When you've made homemade pizza dough the night before, but have leftover pizza dough and aren't too keen on eating pizza two nights in a row, then here are some interesting yet delicious things you can do with the dough your pizza.
- Focaccia dough – this is especially great for pizza dough that has been stretched to its maximum capacity. You can add any kind of balls you like, for a delicious finish!
- Cheese sticks – the cheese sticks are made very light by the pizza dough. You can simply sprinkle some cheese on top of your dough, cut it into strips, roll the dough and bake! Dip them in marinara or tomato sauce for a nice treat.
- Pizza rolls – roll your leftover pizza dough balls with your favorite toppings, for a fun and creative pizza treat.
- Spiced flat bread – use the remaining pizza dough and flatten into a round shape, brush with olive oil and bake with selected spices.
- Calzones – wrap some of your favorite ingredients inside your pizza dough, for a delicious calzone.
- Pocket pizza – put bacon, cheese, pizza sauce and pineapple chunks in the dough and bake for a delicious snack.
It is used for bread dough
Left out of bread dough, no idea what to do with it? Here are some delicious suggestions for what you can do with your bread dough:
- Cinnamon rolls – Basic bread dough can be transformed into fluffy, sweet and spicy cinnamon rolls, just add a topping of brown sugar, white sugar, butter and vanilla.
- Garlic knots – bread dough makes incredibly delicious garlic garlic rolls. They are super easy to make. Simply slather it with garlic butter and season with your favorite herbs for a divine finish.
- Deep dish pizza – the bread dough also makes a nice deep dish pizza. You only need a cast iron skillet or cast iron pizza pan to make this amazing deep dish pizza. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and some of your favorite meats for a delightful bread dough recipe.
- Burger bun – Burger sites are a super easy way to use up any frozen bread dough. Add an egg wash and sesame seeds for a delicious pile of noodles.
- pretzel – You can also use bread dough to make pretzels. Simply form the dough into pretzels and after they have doubled in volume, boil them in a honey water bath. Sprinkle with salt and bake!
Bread dough vs pizza dough
Since bread dough usually requires more ingredients for a delicate but flavorful finish, not much can be said about using them interchangeably. However, if you're trying to use up some leftover pizza dough and want to bake a simple loaf, then go for it!
Bread Dough vs Pizza Dough FAQ
Is pizza dough the same as bread dough?
While they may be similar, both bread dough and pizza dough have different formulas. For example, the amount of salt, water and oil varies. Although both consist of whole wheat flour, and white flour and some are even made sourdough bread.
Is pizza dough the same as naan bread dough?
Not completely. The main difference between pizza and naan lies in the dough. While pizza dough is made from flour, yeast, salt and water, naan dough is enriched with milk.
Is pizza dough better with bread flour or all purpose?
If you are looking for a chewier pizza crust, then use bread flour. Bread flour is higher in protein than all purpose. Higher protein means higher gluten, which means the dough is less likely to break.
