Dough Balls from PizzaExpress feature soft, warm dough pieces baked to golden perfection, sprinkled with garlic and herbs, offering a fluffy inside and a slightly crispy outside for an irresistible savory snack.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Dough hook (if using stand mixer)
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or baking mat
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
- Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) strong white bread flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Ensure you use strong white bread flour for the dough balls to achieve the ideal soft yet slightly crispy texture characteristic of PizzaExpress. Active dry yeast should be fresh and properly activated in warm water to help the dough rise effectively. Incorporating olive oil and melted butter enriched with minced garlic and fresh parsley enhances the flavor authenticity and richness. Measuring ingredients accurately with a kitchen scale or measuring cups ensures consistency in texture and taste. Your homemade dough balls from PizzaExpress copycat menu will deliver a fluffy inside and golden outside, just like the restaurant original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Add olive oil.
- Mix by hand or use a stand mixer with dough hook until combined.
- Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl; cover with damp kitchen towel.
- Let dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line baking tray with parchment paper.
- Punch down risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface.
- Divide dough into 16-20 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dough cutter.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Arrange dough balls evenly on prepared baking tray.
- Cover tray with kitchen towel; let rise 20-30 minutes.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden on top.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chopped parsley.
- Remove baked dough balls from oven and cool slightly on a rack.
- Brush warm dough balls with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Dough Balls from PizzaExpress copycat menu replicate the soft, warm dough pieces baked to golden perfection, sprinkled with garlic and herbs for a fluffy inside and slightly crispy outside. If you don't have strong white bread flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour mixed with 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten per cup for similar texture. Use instant yeast if active dry yeast isn't available, but reduce the warm water temperature slightly to avoid killing the yeast. When brushing dough balls with butter and garlic, you can use melted margarine as an alternative without compromising flavor too much. Your oven temperature and baking time may need slight adjustment depending on your equipment to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Tips
Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, ideally between 37-43degC (98-110degF), to properly bloom the yeast without killing it. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to divide the dough evenly, which helps the dough balls bake uniformly and achieve consistent texture. Allow the dough to rise fully in a warm, draft-free area to develop the desired fluffy inside and slightly crispy outside. When brushing with garlic butter, do it while the dough balls are warm so the flavor absorbs better into Your snack.
Nutritions
Dough Balls from PizzaExpress provide a moderate source of carbohydrates primarily from strong white bread flour, essential for energy. The inclusion of olive oil and unsalted butter adds healthy fats, while garlic and parsley contribute antioxidants and vitamins. Your portion delivers a small amount of protein from the flour and Parmesan cheese, supporting muscle maintenance. These dough balls offer a satisfying snack option with a balanced mix of macronutrients and flavorful herbs.
Storage
Store leftover Dough Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft interior and slightly crispy exterior. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls individually on a baking tray, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, warm your dough balls in the oven at 180degC (350degF) for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the bread flour to add a deeper, nuttier flavor and increase fiber content. For a twist on texture, try brushing the dough balls with melted herb-infused olive oil instead of garlic butter for a lighter finish. Incorporating a finely chopped sun-dried tomato or rosemary into the dough before rising can introduce aromatic complexity. Adjust baking time slightly for larger or smaller dough balls to ensure a perfectly golden, fluffy interior.
Allergies
Dough Balls from PizzaExpress contain key allergens such as wheat in the strong white bread flour, which poses a risk for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The presence of Parmesan cheese introduces dairy allergens that can trigger reactions in those sensitive to lactose or milk proteins. You should carefully check all ingredients if you have known allergies to wheat, dairy, or yeast before consuming this snack.
Why this recipe?
PizzaExpress Dough Balls are popular for their soft, fluffy texture and flavorful garlic butter coating, making them a perfect side or appetizer. Their irresistible combination of warm, pillowy dough and rich seasoning delivers a satisfying taste experience that complements any pizza meal. Crafting the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this beloved indulgence at home, ensuring fresh, customizable servings whenever you crave them. You'll enjoy both the authentic flavors and the satisfaction of mastering a highly praised menu favorite from PizzaExpress.