Leftover pizza dough is one of the most underrated ingredients in the kitchen. Instead of throwing it away or letting it dry out in the fridge, you can transform it into sweet treats, savory snacks, quick breads, and even full meals. Whether you’re a home cook, food blogger, or meal-prep lover, these 16 ideas for leftover pizza dough will help you reduce food waste while creating seriously delicious dishes.
From crispy garlic knots to sweet cinnamon rolls, this guide includes 16 complete recipes that are easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for any time of day.
1. Garlic Knots
Ingredients
- 1 cup leftover pizza dough
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll dough into strips and tie into knots.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Brush with butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
2. Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pizza dough
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Roll dough into a rectangle.
- Spread butter, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly and slice.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
3. Mini Calzones
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cooked chicken or veggies
- Pizza sauce
Instructions
- Divide dough into small circles.
- Add filling to one side, fold, and seal.
- Bake at 200°C for 15–18 minutes.
4. Cheesy Breadsticks
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Roll the dough flat on a baking tray.
- Brush with oil and add cheese and seasoning.
- Bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.
5. Sweet Doughnuts (Baked)
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
Instructions
- Shape dough into rings.
- Bake at 190°C until puffed and golden.
- Toss warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar.
6. Flatbread Sandwich Wraps
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Roll the dough thin.
- Cook in a hot pan until bubbles form.
- Use as wraps for chicken, veggies, or hummus.
7. Pizza Dough Pretzels
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Baking soda water
- Coarse salt
Instructions
- Shape dough into pretzels.
- Dip in baking soda water for 30 seconds.
- Bake at 220°C for 12–15 minutes.
8. Mini Fruit Galettes
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Sliced apples or berries
- Sugar
- Butter
Instructions
- Roll the dough into small rounds.
- Add fruit, sugar, and butter.
- Fold edges and bake at 190°C for 25 minutes.
9. Stuffed Dough Balls
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Cheese cubes
- Herbs
Instructions
- Wrap the dough around the cheese cubes.
- Bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.
- Serve with dipping sauce.
10. Skillet Dough Pancakes
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Butter
- Honey or syrup
Instructions
- Flatten dough into small circles.
- Cook in a buttered skillet until golden.
- Drizzle with honey or syrup.
11. Pizza Dough Crackers
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Roll the dough paper-thin.
- Cut into squares.
- Bake at 180°C until crisp.
12. Mini Stromboli Rolls
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Cheese
- Pepperoni or vegetables
Instructions
- Roll dough flat and add fillings.
- Roll tightly and slice.
- Bake at 190°C for 18–20 minutes.
13. Dough-Based Dessert Pizza
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Chocolate spread
- Fruits
Instructions
- Bake dough base until lightly golden.
- Spread chocolate and top with fruit.
- Slice and serve.
14. Fried Pizza Dough Bites
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar or salt
Instructions
- Cut dough into bite-size pieces.
- Fry until golden.
- Toss in sugar or sprinkle with salt.
15. Savory Herb Rolls
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Mixed herbs
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Shape the dough into small rolls.
- Brush with oil and herbs.
- Bake at 190°C for 15 minutes.
16. Breakfast Egg Pockets
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Scrambled eggs
- Cheese
Instructions
- Fill the dough with eggs and cheese.
- Seal edges tightly.
- Bake at 200°C for 18 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Leftover pizza dough doesn’t have to be boring. With these 16 ideas for leftover pizza dough, you can create everything from quick snacks to full meals and desserts. These recipes are perfect for reducing waste, saving money, and getting creative in the kitchen.
