How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Dough?

You can store leftover pizza dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for one month. Here's how.

Store Leftover Pizza Dough in the Fridge or Freezer for Best Results

Store leftover pizza dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months - just make sure to let it rise again before baking.

Leftover pizza dough needs to be stored properly to ensure it stays workable and bakes up light and airy. Below, we cover how to store pizza dough, as well as fridge vs freezer storage, rising times, and dough-handling tips.

Option 1: Store Pizza Dough in the Fridge (Short-Term)

For fridge storage, follow these steps:

How long:
- Up to 72 hours (3 days).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Lightly coat the dough ball with olive oil
- Place in an airtight container or zip-top bag (allow some room to expand)
- Store on the bottom shelf of the fridge, where temps are coldest and most stable
- Let it rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours before using to allow it to rise again
Pro Tip: Dough flavor actually improves after 24 hours in the fridge due to slow fermentation.

Option 2: Freeze Pizza Dough (Long-Term)

Pizza dough freezes well, and is perfect for make-ahead prep for things like Homemade Pizza Rolls or New York Style Pizza.

How long:
- About one month.
How to do it:
- Let the dough complete its first rise.
- Divide into portions if needed
- Coat lightly with oil, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag
- Label with the date and freeze
Thawing and Using Frozen Dough:
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours before stretching
Avoid this mistake: Freezing dough before the first rise will lead to dense, under-proofed results.
Pro Tip: If a skin forms on the dough, let the dough rest another hour room temperature, then knead it to reincorporate the skin.