4 Easy Recipes That Start With Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough
Find out how you can stretch pizza dough even further.
Greg Dupree
There’s no better feeling than a refrigerator and freezer freshly stocked with Trader Joe’s products. And while it’s always fun to try the new and seasonal snacks and meals, most shopping carts are usually filled with essentials like eggs, milk, bread, and cheese, among other items.
However, if TJ’s pizza dough isn’t already on your weekly shopping list, you should certainly add it for your next trip. Having pizza dough on hand is incredibly convenient since it’s so versatile. Of course, you can quickly whip up a custom homemade pizza with all your favorite toppings, but the dough can also be used for a variety of other dishes. From cheesy calzones to savory flatbreads, and even dessert—pizza dough might just become your most utilized TJ’s purchase.
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Classic Pepperoni Calzone
Tired of traditional pizza? Use your pizza dough to make a delicious calzone, stuffed with veggies and meat or just cheese and sauce. Making calzones at home may seem difficult, but it’s just as simple as making a pizza. Simply remove the dough from its packaging and allow it to proof on a floured surface for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit while the dough rests. When ready, stretch the dough into a circle (about 12-inches round) and begin to build your calzone. Start by spooning a layer of sauce onto one half of the circle. Add cheese, like mozzarella, and cooked meat, like pepperoni or sausage. Fold the dough over to cover the toppings, and then seal the edges. Transfer the calzones to a greased baking sheet, and brush the top with olive oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool before digging in.
If you'd rather enjoy a meat-free calzone, give these Mini Squash Calzones a try. These calzones still have plenty of melty cheese inside, but the meat is swapped for a healthy combination of butternut squash, onion, and Swiss chard.
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Chicken Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches
You haven’t lived until you’ve taken a bite out of a freshly baked flatbread sandwich. And if you’re looking for the easiest recipe, just use store-bought pizza dough. All you have to do is cut the dough into four equal portions and roll it out a bit. Then, brush it with olive oil and bake it for about 12 minutes in a 400-degree oven. This chicken pesto sandwich recipe is so fresh and flavorful, but you can use whatever you have on hand to build the flatbread of your dreams.
Mushroom White Pizza
Pizza night is always a fun way to cook dinner with the family. All you have to do is pick up some store-bought pizza dough, jarred sauce, plenty of cheese, and your favorite toppings. If you want to make something other than a traditional cheese pizza, try out this white mushroom pizza recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a gourmet, homemade pizza without even leaving your home. Just remember to bake the pizza dough for a few minutes before adding toppings. This will ensure your creation comes out delicious and crispy!
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Cinnamon Twists
Who knew you could use pizza dough to make sweet treats? These two-ingredient cinnamon twists are almost too good to be true. Just roll out your pizza dough into an 8 by 10-inch rectangle, slice into ¼-inch strips, and brush with an egg wash or vegetable oil. Then, dip each slice into cinnamon sugar and gently twist the dough. Let them rest on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a few minutes, and then pop them in the oven at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Serve them with vanilla frosting, or enjoy them on their own.
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