Pizza enthusiasts are turning to Ooni ovens to create restaurant-quality pizzas at home. These powerful ovens can reach extremely high temperatures, making them ideal for the crispy, wood-fired pizzas that are popular in places like Italy. But what if you’re short on time or don’t want to make your dough from scratch? Can you use store-bought pizza dough in an Ooni oven? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider to get the best results. In this guide, we’ll dive into the details, providing tips, techniques, and insights for using store-bought pizza dough in your Ooni.
What is Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Store-bought pizza dough refers to pre-made dough that you can find in the refrigerated or frozen section of your local grocery store. It comes in several forms, including:
- Refrigerated dough: Fresh dough typically found near dairy products or pre-made pizzas.
- Frozen dough: Dough that requires thawing before use.
- Pre-baked crusts: Partially or fully cooked pizza bases that only need toppings and baking.
Common Ingredients in Store-Bought Dough
Store-bought dough usually contains:
- Flour
- Water
- Yeast
- Salt
- Sugar or oil (for added texture or preservation)
These ingredients are similar to homemade pizza dough but may have preservatives and stabilizers to prolong shelf life.
Why Ooni Ovens are Unique ?
High-Temperature Cooking
Ooni ovens are known for reaching temperatures of up to 950°F (500°C), which allows pizzas to cook in 60-90 seconds. This high heat creates a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside chewy and light, a hallmark of authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
Quick Cooking Time
Due to the rapid cooking time, the dough needs to withstand intense heat and cook evenly without becoming dry or soggy. While homemade dough can be easily tailored for this purpose, store-bought pizza dough may require some extra preparation.
Comparison with Traditional Ovens
In contrast, a typical home oven reaches only about 500°F (260°C). Cooking pizza in a traditional oven can take 10-15 minutes, which gives the dough more time to bake slowly. This means that dough that works in a conventional oven might not always perform the same way in an Ooni oven.
Can You Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough in Ooni?
The simple answer: Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough in an Ooni oven. Many home cooks have achieved great results with commercial dough, but there are a few key differences compared to homemade dough.
Why it works:
- Convenience: Pre-made dough saves time, eliminating the need for mixing, kneading, and proofing.
- Consistency: Store-bought dough tends to have a consistent texture, making it easier for beginners to work with.
- Availability: Most grocery stores carry pizza dough, making it a convenient option.
Benefits of Using Store-Bought Pizza Dough in Ooni
Using store-bought pizza dough offers several advantages, especially for those who are short on time or new to making pizzas.
1. Time-Saving
The biggest benefit is convenience. Store-bought dough eliminates the need for long proofing times, kneading, and waiting for the dough to rise. You can go from dough to pizza in a fraction of the time it takes to make homemade dough.
2. Predictable Results
Because store-bought dough is mass-produced, it tends to have a consistent texture and hydration level. This uniformity can be helpful, especially for beginners who are not yet familiar with the intricacies of homemade dough.
3. Accessibility
Store-bought pizza dough is widely available in most grocery stores. Whether you’re shopping at a national chain or a local market, you’ll likely find a version of pizza dough in either the refrigerated or frozen sections.
Challenges of Using Store-Bought Pizza Dough in Ooni
While store-bought pizza dough can be convenient, there are a few challenges you should be aware of when using it in an Ooni oven.
1. Dough Thickness and Elasticity
- Some store-bought doughs can be too thick, making them difficult to stretch thin enough for an Ooni oven.
- Overly elastic dough may spring back when stretched, making it harder to form the proper pizza shape.
2. Water Content
- Commercial pizza doughs often have different hydration levels compared to homemade dough. If the dough has too much or too little water, it might not cook evenly or may become soggy.
3. Flavor and Texture Limitations
- Store-bought dough is often mass-produced and lacks the complexity of flavor that comes from long fermentation. Homemade dough, which ferments over several hours or even days, develops more depth and complexity in taste.
How to Prepare Store-Bought Pizza Dough for Ooni ?
Getting the best results from store-bought pizza dough in an Ooni oven requires some preparation.
Bring the Dough to Room Temperature
- Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This relaxes the gluten, making it easier to stretch.
Stretch the Dough Properly
- Lightly flour your work surface and hands.
- Stretch the dough gently, being careful not to tear it.
- Aim for a thin crust to allow for quick, even cooking in the Ooni.
Shaping for the Ooni Oven
- Shape your dough into a round or oval about 10-12 inches in diameter.
- Thin the center while keeping the edges slightly thicker for that perfect pizza “crust.”
Flour the Peel
- Dust your pizza peel with semolina or all-purpose flour to prevent sticking. This ensures your pizza slides easily into the Ooni oven.
Best Store-Bought Pizza Dough Brands for Ooni
Not all store-bought pizza doughs are created equal. Some brands are better suited for high-heat cooking in an Ooni oven.
Top Recommended Brands:
- Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough
- Known for its soft texture and easy-to-stretch consistency.
- Whole Foods 365 Pizza Dough
- Offers a slightly more premium dough with good hydration levels.
- Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust
- Convenient, widely available, and a reliable option for quick pizza making.
- Wegmans Pizza Dough
- Offers a good balance of flavor and elasticity, ideal for Ooni ovens.
Specialty Store Dough vs. Grocery Store Dough
- Artisanal Dough: Specialty stores often offer fresher, artisanal dough that may have been fermented longer, leading to better flavor and texture in your Ooni pizza.
- Grocery Store Dough: While widely available, grocery store doughs may have preservatives or additives that affect the final taste.
Homemade Dough vs. Store-Bought Dough for Ooni
Is homemade dough better than store-bought pizza dough for Ooni? Let’s compare the two:
Texture and Flavor Comparison
- Homemade Dough: Offers a chewier, crispier texture with more flavor complexity due to longer fermentation.
- Store-Bought Dough: While convenient, it may lack the same depth of flavor and might not achieve the same crispy texture as homemade dough.
Ingredient Control
- With homemade dough, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can adjust the flour type, water content, and yeast levels to create the perfect dough for your Ooni oven.
Fermentation and Rise Times
- Homemade dough benefits from longer fermentation, which develops stronger gluten and more flavorful dough. Store-bought dough often has a shorter rise time, which limits flavor.
Modifying Store-Bought Dough for Better Ooni Results
If you want to improve your store-bought dough’s performance in the Ooni oven, here are a few tips:
Adjust the Hydration Level
- If the dough feels too dry, knead in a small amount of water. If it’s too sticky, add a light dusting of flour until it’s more manageable.
Let it Ferment Longer
- After purchasing the dough, you can let it sit in the fridge for an additional 12-24 hours to develop more flavor through extended fermentation.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza with Store-Bought Dough in Ooni
To get the best results with store-bought pizza dough in your Ooni oven, follow these additional tips:
- Use High-Quality Toppings: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and quality olive oil can elevate your pizza and complement store-bought dough.
- Preheat the Ooni Oven: Ensure your Ooni is fully preheated before launching the pizza. This helps the crust cook evenly and get crispy.
- Monitor Cooking Time Closely: Since Ooni ovens cook pizza in 60-90 seconds, keep a close eye on your pizza to avoid burning.
- Rotate the Pizza: Use a pizza peel to rotate your pizza every 20-30 seconds for even cooking.
FAQs
Yes, pre-made pizza dough can be used in Ooni ovens, but be sure to follow the preparation steps to avoid issues like dough sticking or tearing.
Allow the dough to come to room temperature, stretch it thin, and monitor the cooking time closely. Ooni ovens cook pizza quickly, so rotating the pizza is essential.
Preheat your Ooni oven to about 800°F (425°C) for optimal results with store-bought dough. This temperature ensures the dough cooks through without burning.
While homemade dough often delivers better flavor and texture, store-bought dough from high-quality brands can also yield great results.
No, you don’t need to pre-cook the dough. The high temperature of the Ooni oven allows the dough to cook evenly along with the toppings.
Conclusion: Is Store-Bought Dough a Good Option for Ooni?
Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient and accessible option for those looking to enjoy delicious, homemade pizza in an Ooni oven. While it may not deliver the same flavor complexity as homemade dough, it can still produce satisfying results, especially with the right preparation and cooking techniques.
By choosing high-quality brands, allowing the dough to come to room temperature, and using the proper methods for stretching and baking, you can create excellent pizzas in your Ooni oven using store-bought dough. So next time you’re in a rush, don’t hesitate to reach for that store-bought dough—you’ll still get a tasty, crispy pizza straight from your Ooni!
