Being a busy mum is no easy feat, juggling countless tasks and responsibilities every day. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the joy of preparing delicious homemade meals, like pizza!

If you’re craving the taste of a freshly baked pizza but think you don’t have the time to make the dough from scratch, fear not! Here are five easy pro tips to help you whip up amazing pizza dough, even on your busiest days.

1. Master the Art of Quick-Rise Dough

Time is of the essence for busy mums, and waiting for pizza dough to rise can be a deal-breaker. Opt for quick-rise yeast or instant yeast instead of traditional yeast.
One of the primary benefits of using instant yeast is its faster activation and rising time. Using instant yeast causes your dough to rise more quickly, reducing the overall preparation time for your homemade pizza party. This way, you can have freshly made dough ready for baking in as little as 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.

2. Pre-Measure Ingredients

Cooking can get chaotic, especially in a busy kitchen. Pre-measuring helps maintain a sense of order and organization during the cooking process. You can set up your work area with all the pre-measured ingredients, making it easier to follow the recipe and reducing the chances of accidentally omitting or doubling an ingredient.
Pre-measuring ingredients saves time during the actual preparation of the dough. Instead of stopping to measure each ingredient individually as you go along, having everything pre-measured allows you to add them to the mixing bowl in a more continuous and streamlined manner.  And it allows your little ones to get involved with the dough preparation because all ingredients are ready beforehand.

3. Utilize a Stand Mixer or Food Processor

Investing in a stand mixer or food processor can be a game-changer for busy mums. These appliances take the labor out of kneading dough, saving you time and effort.
A stand mixer, equipped with a dough hook attachment, automates the kneading process, allowing the machine to handle the repetitive and physically demanding task. Simply combine your ingredients, let the machine do the work, and focus on other tasks while your pizza dough comes together effortlessly.
It also provides a level of consistency that’s often hard to achieve consistently when kneading by hand. The mixer ensures that the dough is kneaded evenly throughout, promoting uniform texture and rise so  your pizza dough turns out consistently well each time you make it.

4. Use No-Knead Recipes

Traditional pizza dough recipes often involve extensive kneading which is time-consuming for busy mums.  Consider trying a no-knead pizza dough recipe that will yield equally delicious results.
These recipes typically require longer resting times (giving you time to rest as well) but they develop the flavors and textures of the dough without requiring constant attention. Simply mix the ingredients, let the dough rest, and you’re on your way to a stress-free pizza night.

5. Prep Ahead and Freeze

Take advantage of those rare moments when you have a bit of free time to prepare pizza dough in advance. Make a large batch, divide it into individual portions, and freeze them. This way, you’ll have homemade pizza dough ready to go whenever you need it.
When you’re ready to make pizza, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator the night before, and you’ll have homemade dough ready to use without the fuss. You can also freeze left-over cooked pizza for an even faster pizza snack!  When ready for a slice of pizza, set your oven to a high temperature, typically around 375–425°F (190–220°C).  Then, bake the frozen pizza until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Homemade pizza dough is within reach for even the busiest mums, thanks to these pro tips. Whether you’re short on time or energy, these strategies will help you create a mouthwatering pizza crust that your family will love. Enjoy the satisfaction of serving a homemade meal without sacrificing precious moments with your loved ones!

Love,

Pam xxx

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