The Case for Making Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough

The Perfect Loaf is a column from software engineer turned bread expert (and Food52’s Resident Bread Baker) Maurizio Leo. Maurizio is here to show us all things naturally leavened, enriched, yeast-risen, you name it—basically, every vehicle to slather …

The Perfect Loaf is a column from software engineer turned bread expert (and Food52's Resident Bread Baker) Maurizio Leo. Maurizio is here to show us all things naturally leavened, enriched, yeast-risen, you name it—basically, every vehicle to slather on a lot of butter. Today, he’s discussing the pros and cons of whole-wheat pizza dough.


The longer I bake bread and cook pizza, the more I find I like increasing the whole-grain percentage in the dough. Sure, there’s an undeniable charm that comes with the classic Italian way: a 00-flour-based pizza that’s cooked at a super-high temperature, resulting in an exceedingly soft texture, tall rise, and open, airy crust. And while my sourdough bread almost always has some whole-grain component, lately, I’ve been pushing the whole grains in my naturally leavened pizza dough as well. Swapping out some white flour is an easy way to bring flavor to the next level: The added bran and germ mixed into the dough brings deeper grain flavors (read: nutty, earthy, and a touch of minerality), and when coupled with lengthy natural fermentation, you get a one-two punch of flavor and nutrition.

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Pear Brie Flatbread

I am so excited to be sharing this Pear Brie Flatbread recipe. It is actually a recipe from our cookbook, but it’s just too good not to share on the blog too! FYI, our cookbook has 100 recipes that aren’t on the blog and 15 favorites from t…

I am so excited to be sharing this Pear Brie Flatbread recipe. It is actually a recipe from our cookbook, but it’s just too good not to share on the blog too! FYI, our cookbook has 100 recipes that aren’t on the blog and 15 favorites from the blog. If you don’t have a copy,…

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Easy Taco Pizza

If you are looking to shake up your regular taco night or pizza night, make Taco Pizza! You get the best of both worlds in one EASY recipe! Top flatbread with refried beans, salsa, taco meat, and lots of cheese! Add on your favorite taco toppings and e…

If you are looking to shake up your regular taco night or pizza night, make Taco Pizza! You get the best of both worlds in one EASY recipe! Top flatbread with refried beans, salsa, taco meat, and lots of cheese! Add on your favorite taco toppings and eat it up! This is a great recipe…

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Vodka Sauce Pizza.

We love this vodka sauce pizza! Flavorful crust topped with perfect vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle with basil and parmesan. It’s absolutely incredible. Is there anything better than pizza friday?!  I think not! We live for pizza friday… or any pizza day, really. The kids absolutely love making their own pizzas. We turn it […]

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We love this vodka sauce pizza! Flavorful crust topped with perfect vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle with basil and parmesan. It’s absolutely incredible.

Is there anything better than pizza friday?! 

vodka sauce pizza

I think not! We live for pizza friday… or any pizza day, really. The kids absolutely love making their own pizzas. We turn it into a whole fun assembly line thing – roll your own dough, add your toppings make your own pizza! It’s something we all look forward to. 

Plus, the tend to eat more variety when they make the pizzas themselves!

vodka sauce in a skillet

Speaking of variety, these pizza photos don’t have much. I mean, it’s sauce and cheese for a reason. And let me tell you about that reason! 

It’s all about the VODKA SAUCE.

dough with sauce and cheese

Why is vodka sauce SO good? It’s so rich and thick and wonderful. When I first started making my vodka sauce pasta, we literally wanted to eat it every week. It is that incredible. 

And somehow, it wasn’t until recently that I thought about putting the vodka sauce on pizza.

How on earth did I miss this?

vodka sauce pizza

A few months ago we got a vodka sauce pizza and it was unreal. We’re talking next-level wonderful. The entire pizza went that night between four adults. And it was incredibly simple. The vodka sauce pizza we had was an upside down pizza, with crust, then cheese, then sauce on top.

It didn’t even look that appetizing, that’s how minimal it was. Plus the top was just a layer of… sauce.

But then with one bite we just about lost it. Fantastic. And I knew I had to make it! 

vodka sauce pizza

I switched things up a bit. I just use my regular dough, my vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella. Plus a little basil too! 

Yes. It’s that easy.

vodka sauce pizza

Kind of like a margherita pizza feel, but with vodka sauce. It is a DREAM.  (more…)

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Taco Puff Pastry Pizza.

This taco puff pastry pizza is such a great weeknight meal! Flaky crust topped with taco meat, cheese, beans and all your favorite toppings. It’s super satisfying and everyone loves it.  New weeknight dinner alert!  This is what happens when you combine two of your favorite things! Taco + pizza = match made in heaven. […]

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This taco puff pastry pizza is such a great weeknight meal! Flaky crust topped with taco meat, cheese, beans and all your favorite toppings. It’s super satisfying and everyone loves it. 

New weeknight dinner alert! 

taco puff pastry pizza

This is what happens when you combine two of your favorite things! Taco + pizza = match made in heaven. And please let the record show that’s the only kind of math I can do. 

I don’t mind. 

puff pastry with refried beans and cheese

When I was a kid I weirdly liked the taco pizza in the school cafeteria. Thinking back to it now, of course, I can’t even fathom it because today I can make it so much better. Like, so much! So, so much. 

taco puff pastry pizza

It’s no secret I’m obsessed with all things puff pastry. Have been forever. There are five (maybe six?!) recipes for puff pastry pizzas/snacks in Everyday Dinners. It’s one of my go-tos for a quick and easy dinner or appetizer or snack.

This fun taco spin is perfect for a weeknight meal, for a game day snack or even a little lunch if you have the time. The best part is that you get to make the rules and use all the ingredients you love. Make it your own!

pickled onions

Here’s the deal!

Grab a sheet of puff pastry – make sure it’s thawed if yours is frozen. For the record, my favorite brand is the wewalka puff pastry! It’s refrigerated and fantastic. 

Add on a layer of refried beans. Then a layer of cheese! Then a layer of taco meat. I season mine myself, which is why the ingredient list is rather long. We LOVE this seasoning mix. You can use it or even a packaged one if you are looking for a shortcut!

If you’re feeling it, you could use chicken too. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease! I tend to use ground turkey most of the time. Or leave the meat off entirely and do a layer of black beans!

Also, P.S.: even though you may be tempted to add more taco meat, I suggest not doing so. If you make the toppings too heavy, the pastry doesn’t cook through and the whole thing loses its light and fluffiness. You know? 

taco puff pastry pizza

Then I add a drizzle of taco sauce or salsa. I have a deeeelish taco sauce recipe in Everyday Dinners! It’s like, copycat taco bell. Excellent.

So once that is all layered up and ready to go, bake it until flaky and fluffy and cheesy and melty.  (more…)

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Grilled BBQ Pulled Pork & Sweet Corn Pizza.

This pulled pork pizza is loaded with fresh sweet corn, barbecue sauce, herbs, cheeses and pickled onions. So delicious and flavorful! Love me a good summer grilled pizza!  This is a big big favorite in our house. Pizza on the grill? Check. BBQ pulled pork, all saucy and tangy and wonderful? Check again. Super sweet […]

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This pulled pork pizza is loaded with fresh sweet corn, barbecue sauce, herbs, cheeses and pickled onions. So delicious and flavorful!

Love me a good summer grilled pizza! 

BBQ pulled pork & sweet corn pizza

This is a big big favorite in our house. Pizza on the grill? Check. BBQ pulled pork, all saucy and tangy and wonderful? Check again. Super sweet and crisp corn, at its peak flavor? Major check. 

You won’t want to stop eating this pizza, I swear!

BBQ pulled pork & sweet corn pizza ready for the grill

The pizza has just about everything I love. The pulled pork is amazing. The sweet corn is so delicious right now. I slice it directly from the cob on to the pizza – it’s refreshing and crunchy. Then we have melty cheese, more BBQ sauce, a bunch of fresh herbs and some pickled onions. 

Seriously, it has all the flavors that you need. 

BBQ pulled pork & sweet corn pizza

Pulled pork is quite possibly my favorite meat ever, so I’m always looking for new and fun ways to use it. It’s so versatile and everyone else in the house loves it, so I knew we couldn’t go wrong with pizza. Plus, I shared a pulled pork pizza nearly a decade ago that is also loaded with flavor. 

I knew a summer version would be incredible. 

BBQ pulled pork & sweet corn pizza

This recipe is PERFECT for leftover pulled pork. You know, if you have a party or even just a larger sunday dinner and have some pulled pork leftovers? Oh yes, this is exactly what you should do with it.

In fact, I would never make pulled pork JUST for this recipe. I mean, maybe with this in mind for leftovers, yes, but never just for it.

I love pulled pork way too much  – so if I’m making it, we’re most likely serving it as a sandwich! With lots of slaw and BBQ sauce of course.

BBQ pulled pork & sweet corn pizza

Or maybe – you even have pulled pork in the freezer? I often take the leftovers and toss them in the freezer. Or make a double batch at once so I can immediately freeze some for a future meal. It’s one of the only things I think is worth throwing in the freezer – and the flavor stays so well. 

It’s so good!

BBQ pulled pork & sweet corn pizza

Now I will say, if you’re just madly craving this pizza (don’t blame you, it’s fab!), there is another option! Both costco and the jack daniel’s brand makes prepared pulled pork and it’s in the cold/deli section. I’ve used it in a pinch for parties and it’s pretty good. All you do is heat it in the oven or even the slow cooker – or a saucepan! And you’ve got pulled pork for your pizza. Wins all around! 

When it comes to cheese, I like a mix of classic italian cheeses here with sharp white cheddar. The white cheddar gives a nod to the BBQ sauce and really brings out that sharp flavor. I highly suggest doing both!

Lots of BBQ sauce on top! Whatever sauce you love – any kind works, truly! I’d probably choose this cola BBQ sauce at the moment. If we’re talking jarred, I would pick bone suckin’ sauce!

You can also add on a few other clean-out-the-fridge ingredients if you’d like. Sliced red onion instead of pickled, jalapeno or bell peppers, even thinly sliced mushrooms.  (more…)

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Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups.

These pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups are sponsored by ALDI!  Pepperoni pizza is on the menu today… made into a lasagna roll up! Oh yes. We’re having fun with our food and it’s extra delicious today. These pizza lasagna roll ups are so simple and will be a show stopper on your dinner table. Everyone […]

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These pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups are sponsored by ALDI

Pepperoni pizza is on the menu today… made into a lasagna roll up!

pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups

Oh yes. We’re having fun with our food and it’s extra delicious today. These pizza lasagna roll ups are so simple and will be a show stopper on your dinner table. Everyone absolutely loves them and they are sure to become a family fave! 

lasagna roll up with cheese

It’s hard to believe we are getting back in the swing of things already.

I absolutely love when the fall season approaches. In fact, I think I love it more than the new year. It has always signified a new, fresh start in my brain. I’m sure it’s from years of going back to school in the fall, but even once I was out of school, the start of this coming season has always felt like a brand new beginning.

ALDI cheese and sauce

I’m excited to be partnering with ALDI today to bring you a delicious dish that helps you get back into your routine. These pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups will help you easily get dinner on the table no matter what your routine may be.

Plus, they taste like heaven!

rolled lasagna noodles

ALDI is my go-to for weeknight dinner ingredients. Their affordable, high-quality selection is unbeatable. Plus, they always have awesome snacks too – tons of options for both me and the kids. Lots of great produce, of course, and then a seriously great spread of crackers and cheeses and grab-and-go foods that we can use when life gets busier. Which it always does! 

pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups ready for the oven

My favorite thing about ALDI is that I can head in and grab everything I need to make a simple weeknight meal. Like these lasagna roll ups!

This might be one of THEEEE favorite dishes in our house right now. It has all the comforting, delicious flavors of pepperoni pizza but in a cheesy, pasta roll up. The kids go wild for it. Eddie and I love it served with my house salad. 

It’s just SO good – loaded with ingredients that everyone loves and at the same time, different and unique enough to feel like I’ve made a fun, special dinner!

pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups

To bring this dish together, I start with the Reggano Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles. I boil them since we are making roll-ups and not layered lasagna – and it only takes a few minutes.

For the filling, I use a mixture of Emporium Selection Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, Happy Farms Shredded Fresh Mozzarella, Stonemill Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder. This makes for the cheesiest layer that tastes just like a pizza base! It’s so darn good. 

pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups

If you want to make this extra pepperoni-y, you could also add some chopped pepperoni right into the cheesy filling! I like to use the Mama Cozi’s Sliced Pepperoni and it’s easily one of my kids’ favorite ingredients of all time. What is it with kids and pepperoni?! 

We can’t forget the pizza sauce! After spreading the filling on the lasagna noodles, I add a drizzle of the Delgrosso Pizza Sauce to the top and roll the noodle right up. It’s so simple, yet looks super special!

pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups

I like to add a layer of the pizza sauce to the bottom of the dish too, then top the rolled up noodles with another dollop of sauce. I sprinkle the entire thing with the Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then add on some more pepperoni. Bake it until hot and melty and cheesy and BOOM. 

It’s done! 

I finish it off with a sprinkle of the Emporium Selection Parmesan Cheese as well as some Stonemill Crushed Red Pepper Flakes.

OH MY GOSH. We adore this.  (more…)

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Chorizo Corn Pizza

We love making homemade pizza and during the summer months, this Chorizo Corn Pizza is a favorite. I know it might sound strange at first, but everyone who tries it falls in love after one bite. The flavors are fantastic! This pizza is the best during …

We love making homemade pizza and during the summer months, this Chorizo Corn Pizza is a favorite. I know it might sound strange at first, but everyone who tries it falls in love after one bite. The flavors are fantastic! This pizza is the best during sweet corn season, you can’t beat fresh sweet corn,…

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Our Tips for the Crispiest, Crunchiest, Charred-est Pizza Ever

We love ordering pizza from our favorite local slice joint or Neapolitan-style spot, but the taste of homemade pizza—especially our favorite grilled pizza recipes—is something truly special. A lightly charred crust drizzled with olive oil, a sprinkle o…

We love ordering pizza from our favorite local slice joint or Neapolitan-style spot, but the taste of homemade pizza—especially our favorite grilled pizza recipes—is something truly special. A lightly charred crust drizzled with olive oil, a sprinkle of basil leaves, a swirl of marinara sauce, and a generous amount of ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese is as simple and delicious as can be. Of course you can go all out with truffle-flavored ingredients or meat-lover toppings galore. If you’re looking for an upgrade to your summer dinner (after all, who doesn’t want a new and improved menu for entertaining family or friends?), make homemade pizza on the grill. Ahead, we’ll tell you how to do just that like a pro.

How to Grill Pizza

Any great pizza—whether wood-fried, brick-oven baked, or grilled—starts with the perfect pizza dough. You can make your own with your favorite recipe or buy store-bought from a local pizzeria. Even if you love a deep-dish or Sicilian-style pizza, now’s not the time to make an extra-large pie. Instead, Paula Disbrowe, author of Food52’s Any Night Grilling: 60 Ways to Fire Up Dinner (and More), recommends stretching the pizza dough out to ½ inch thick or less. “Place the stretched crust on a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or semolina flour, then add your toppings right before you slide the pizza onto the hot grates,” says Disbrowe. For an extra-crispy crust, grill one side of the pizza dough first, add toppings like pizza sauce, pepperoni, meatballs, clams, or an assortment of different cheeses to the charred pizza crust, and then slide the pie (uncooked side down) back onto the grill for an additional few minutes.

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