Can You Freeze Pizza Dough?
Homemade or store-bought pizza dough, raw and uncooked.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can freeze pizza dough. Yes. Pizza dough freezes perfectly and tastes just as good as fresh dough after thawing.
Freezer Time at a Glance
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 26, 2026
How to Freeze Pizza Dough
- Divide dough into individual pizza-sized portions (8-12 oz each).
- Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
- Coat lightly with olive oil to prevent freezer burn.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- Squeeze out all air before sealing.
Texture Changes After Freezing
Pizza dough freezes exceptionally well with virtually no quality loss. The yeast becomes dormant during freezing and reactivates during thawing. The gluten structure is preserved. Most pizza restaurants freeze their dough as standard practice.
Make a double batch of pizza dough every time you make pizza. Use half, freeze half. You will always be one thaw away from homemade pizza night. Portion into individual balls so you only defrost what you need.
How to Thaw Pizza Dough
Transfer from freezer to refrigerator the night before you plan to use it. Let it come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before stretching. The dough should be soft and pliable.
Can You Refreeze Pizza Dough?
Refreezing is not recommended. Quality and texture degrade significantly with repeated freezing and thawing.
Best Uses After Freezing
After freezing and thawing, pizza dough works best in: pizza, calzones, breadsticks, flatbread, garlic knots.
The Bottom Line
Pizza Dough can be frozen for 3–3 months when packaged properly. The key is removing as much air as possible and using freezer-safe containers or bags. While texture may change slightly after thawing, frozen pizza dough works well in cooked dishes and recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In fact, freezing after the first rise is ideal. The dough has developed flavor but has not been exhausted by multiple rises. Punch it down, portion, oil, wrap, and freeze.