What to Make with Store-Bought Pizza Dough (Other Than Pizza)

A worthy solution is simply to purchase pizza dough from the supermarket. Sure, you can use it to make pizza, but it’s good for so much more than that.

If you think of store-bought pizza dough as bread waiting to happen, there are a host of culinary possibilities to make something delicious. 

When buying pizza dough, look for dough that is still partially frozen; the yeast is more likely to be active, which will lead to a better rise during baking. Whatever kind you use, it’s important to let the dough come to room temperature before beginning the recipe.

Ask any stickler and they will tell you calzones and strombolis are not pizza. They are hot and hearty, plus all of the recipes featured require 5 minutes of prep or less. 

• For the meat lovers. A Salami, Capicola, and Provolone Stromboli makes a rich, savory weeknight dinner for two. We added jarred roasted red peppers to sweeten the meal.
• For the vegetable enthusiasts. Our recipe for Vegetable Stromboli features broccoli, red peppers, olives, and a variety of cheeses, but feel free to customize however you like.
• A way to enjoy both. This Broccoli Rabe and Salami Stromboli maximizes the flavors of bitter broccoli rabe with a short sauté before layering generously with sliced meats and cheese. Go back for seconds; no one is looking.
• More pie than pizza. This Cast-Iron Skillet Calzone is a crispy, savory treat filled with pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese. Lovingly shaped into a pie, it has top and bottom crusts. Serve this showstopper to a crowd. It serves 8.

Yes, store-bought pizza dough can make sandwiches too! If you like the soft, pillowy chew of focaccia, then these are the sandwiches for you. Picnic sandwiches are great for travel and can be made-ahead without falling apart or sogging out. 

• Capicola Picnic Sandwich with Artichoke Spread. Instead of mayo, make a sweet and tangy spread from canned artichoke hearts, lemon juice, and fresh thyme.
• Ham Picnic Sandwich with Olive Spread. Gift yourself the best Black Forest ham you can access for this elevated take on a ham and cheese sandwich.
• New Orleans Muffulettas. These iconic Southern sandwiches are simple to make and are filled with flavor from two types of olives, capers, and red wine vinegar. Once you take that first tangy, briny bite, you may eat the whole thing.
• Turkey Picnic Sandwich with Sun-Dried Tomato Spread. Who knew sun-dried tomatoes and garlic made such a tasty spread? When combined with Muenster cheese, this turkey sandwich is anything but dry and boring.

Breadsticks are a go-to appetizer for gatherings of any size but can be a bit tricky to master. Why not skip the mystery of dough hydration altogether and use store-bought pizza dough? 

• Garlic and Herb Breadsticks. Use a classic flavor combo to season your rolled out dough for crispy, buttery breadsticks sure to satisfy.
• Pizza Monkey Bread. This pull-apart classic has all the pizza flavors, but the different shape makes it easier to pull apart and share. Brush a bit of the grease from those microwaved pepperoni for the tastiest browned edges. 
• Za'atar Monkey Bread. This gorgeous monkey bread uses our blend for za’atar (which we prefer), but you can use the store-bought variety of that as well if you’re short on time.
• Cast Iron Baked Pepperoni Pizza Dip. This appetizer has it all: melty cheese, crispy pepperoni, and garlicky mini rolls. Serve the whole thing in a cast-iron skillet to keep it warm and watch it disappear.