Thinking of making a pizza at home? Pizza is a great way to get your creative juices flowing. A pie is not only a complete meal but also gives you the opportunity to try different combinations of toppings and create a pie that’s unique to you and maybe one that you couldn’t buy from a pizza shop. While all this is great, you may be frustrated when your pizza dough sticks to the pizza peel or the prep surface. It’s enough to make any pizza-lover want to throw in the towel and never want to make their own pizza. If this is you, don’t give up. We at Big Mario’s Pizza are experts in making pizza. Below we share our best tips for preventing your dough from sticking and improving your pizza-making experience.
Use Enough Flour
The dough is sticky when it absorbs a lot of water. It will stick to your fingers and surfaces making it difficult to manipulate. If you’re struggling with a sticky mess, try adding more flour. There are two ways to do this. You can add flour to the dough itself and knead the flour into it. You will notice that the dough will become less sticky and easier to manipulate. However, be careful not to add too much flour. Incorporate the flour a little at a time.
Another way to add flour is by dusting the work surface or peel with flour. This will help to prevent sticking onto the surfaces. Many people use wheat flour to dust their peels or pizza stones. However, you can use cornmeal for dusting especially if you want to add some extra texture.
Stretch the Dough
Another reason why your pastry mix is sticky could be because it is not stretched enough. When you don’t take the time to stretch it properly, it will most likely stick or tear. Take your time to knead the mixture properly. This helps to make the gluten strengthen and develop. Pizza dough that is properly kneaded and stretched should have a smooth appearance. If yours still has a rough appearance, take some time to knead it even more.
In addition to this you should stretch the dough out as much as possible prior to placing it on the peel or stone. You can do this using a rolling pin. Roll it out to the size and shape that you desire. Make sure that it is stretched our evenly. It should not be too thin or too thick in some areas.
Use Parchment Paper
Even after applying the tips above, some people still experience sticking. If this is the case for you, you can take it a step further by using a sheet of parchment paper. Parchment paper provides a smooth surface on which you can place your dough. Be sure to dust the surface of the parchment paper with some flour before placing your pastry onto it. You can then transfer it to the stone or other baking surfaces.
Parchment paper also helps to make the clean-up easy. The parchment paper acts as a barrier that can be thrown away after the baking. Your baking surface will be easy to clean. You may not even have to clean it.
Don’t Let the Dough Sit for Too Long
Another reason for sticking is when the dough is left for too long. It begins to stick and tear. You can avoid this by transferring the dough to the stone or other baking surfaces as quickly as possible after it has been placed on the peel. A great way to ensure that the transfer is done quickly is to take some time to prepare everything before you start the pizza-making process. Have all your tools ready and begin preheating the oven. When you have your pastry ready, there will be no time wasted in between. You can move from step to step without having to stop to prepare anything.
Choose the right pizza peel
What type of peel are you using for your pizza? It is important to use the right utensil for the job. Choose a utensil with the right material and design. Wood and composite materials are great choices. Their low conductivity ensures fewer condensation forms on the surface. When the unbaked crust comes into contact with condensed water and absorbs it, it becomes sticky.
Metal utensils are more readily available. If this is the only utensil you have available, apply the tips above including dusting the surface. The flour used for dusting will absorb the condensed water and prevent sticking.
If you’re planning to make a pizza and have always struggled with sticking, try the tips above. They will help to reduce sticking and tearing. They will help to make the process more enjoyable. All that will be left is to find the best pizza recipes to try out! Bon Appétit.