If you are looking for an easy weeknight meal that feels like it’s completely homemade, this Trader Joe’s pizza dough is a great option.
I’m obsessed with Trader Joe’s. And because my boyfriend works there, we get 20% off each grocery trip. That being said, I’ve tried out almost every item in the store (with exception of most of the specialty cheeses). One trip we decided to try out their pizza dough to see if it was worth the hype… and it most definitely was.
Since then, we’ve been using TJ’s dough at least once a month. It’s easy to make, doesn’t take up too much time and is a fun way to have pizza night. It’s one of my all time favorite weeknight dinners. It makes for a great pizza and I love it with tomato sauce and plenty of melty cheese.
Does Trader Joe’s sell pizza dough?
Yes! Trader Joe’s grocery store sells three different kinds of pre-made pizza dough: plain, garlic & herb and gluten-free. Personally, the garlic & herb pizza dough is my favorite. I have also tried the plain pizza dough, which is great, but I have not tried out the gluten-free pizza dough. Maybe someday!
You will find the pizza dough in the refrigerated section by the deli meats and cheeses. It’s usually on the bottom shelf and conveniently close to the pizza sauce and cheese. I like using Trader Joe’s Lite Mozzarella Cheese for the cheese, but they have a variety of other options.
How good is Trader Joe’s pizza dough?
It’s great! I will say making dough from scratch will probably get you the best pizza, but Trader Joe’s pizza dough is a close second. It’s much better than a frozen pizza, and is a close second to pizza from scratch or pizza from a restaurant (depending on the restaurant of course).
I think what’s unique about Trader Joe’s pizza dough is that it comes in a garlic & herb variety. It’s rare to find a garlic & herb crust at a restaurant and more different to make it from scratch. So considering how easy it is to make pizza with Trader Joe’s dough and how great the final product turns out, I would say it’s 100% worth adding to your weekly shopping list.
Tip: I recommend getting the garlic & herb pizza dough.
How long does the pizza dough need to rise?
According to the instructions, Trader Joe’s pizza dough needs about 20 minutes to rise. They recommend leaving the pre-made dough at room temperature in the bag while the dough rests. After 20 minutes have passed, you can remove it from the bag and place it on a floured surface to stretch it out using your hands or a rolling pin.
How do you stretch the pizza dough
I use my hands to stretch out the dough, but you can also use a rolling pin. I usually divide the pizza in half to make two small personal pizzas. When the Trader Joe’s fresh pizza dough comes out of the package, it should be in a ball shape. I use my hands to stretch the dough, starting in the middle and pressing towards the crust.
I continue to gently stretch until I’ve reached my desired thinness and circle shape. Finally, I use the outside edge of my hand to press around the crust to make a distinct separation. After that, the most important step, add the pizza sauce, cheese and toppings!
What temperature do you cook Trader Joe’s pizza dough?
According to the instructions, you should bake your pizza at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese begins to bubble and the crust is golden brown. I’ve tried out this method several times and I usually end up cooking it for 12 minutes or so. It really depends on how thin you make the crust and how many toppings you have. You can also make the pizza on the barbecue if you have one. According to the instructions, you should place the pizza on a pizza stone and cook on medium heat for 6-8 minutes.
What is the baking time for the pizza dough?
It should take about 6-12 minutes to cook in a 425 degrees Fahrenheit oven or a barbecue on medium heat. If cooking the oven, place on a greased baking sheet or a parchment-lined baking sheet. When the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown, the pizza is ready! If you prefer a crispy crust, you can add an even minute or two.
How long does the pizza dough last in the fridge?
Store-bought pizza dough has a shelf life of about 5 days in the fridge, so I would try to make this within a few days of purchasing it. Just to be safe, check the expiration date to ensure your pizza dough is fresh. If it stays too long in the fridge you may notice a strange odor or molding on the dough. These are both signs that you should throw out the dough. If you make your own dough, it should also last about 5 days in the refrigerator.
How many servings are in Trader Joe’s pizza dough?
One serving is ⅛ of the pizza, so there are 8 servings per pizza dough. Remember, serving sizes are not well regulated so it’s ok to each more than one serving.As a registered dietitian, the best way to balance your plate is by adding a source of carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber.
The pizza dough contains carbohydrates, while the cheese and toppings provide some fat and protein. A great addition to a few slices of pizza is a salad or raw carrots or peppers since they will add some fiber and micronutrients to your meal. Ensuring you have a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber will help you feel full and can even help reduce overeating.
What are the ingredients in Trader Joe’s pizza dough?
The ingredients is Trader Joe’s pizza dough includes:
- Enriched wheat flour (white flour with added vitamins and minerals)
- Water
- Soybean oil
- Dextrose monohydrate (a type of sugar)
- Salt
- Basil leaves
- Oregano
- Mono & diglycerides (stops oils and water from separating)
- Yeast (to help to dough rise)
- Garlic powder
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, helps improve the rising of the dough)
What is the nutrient breakdown of Trader Joe’s pizza dough?
One serving of Trader Joe’s pizza dough (⅛ of the dough) contains 130 calories, 26 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. The pizza dough also contains 180mg of sodium, 1 gram of fiber, 21mg of calcium, 2mg of iron (considered a good source) and 54mg of potassium. Adding marinara sauce, cheese and toppings will of course add more calories and nutrients, so be sure to include that in your calculations.
Is Trader Joe’s pizza dough vegan?
Yes! TJ’s pizza dough is vegan. That being said, when you assemble the pizza, ensure all of your ingredients are vegan as well. Trader Joe’s has a variety of vegan cheeses and pizza sauces to choose from, as well as a few varieties of olive oil. From there, add your favorite toppings like olives, artichoke, peppers, onion or banana peppers.
Other Recipes
- Cheesy Jalapeno Potato Bites
- Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
If you tried out this recipe and liked it, please comment below and share. Also remember to tag me on Instagram and TikTok!
Homemade Pizza with Trader Joe's Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 1 Trader Joe's pizza dough divided in two
- 1/3 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella
- 1/4 cup parmesan
- toppings of choice pepperoni, peppers, pineapple
Instructions
- Leave dough in the bag at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from package and place on floured work surface.
- Divide into two sections.
- Use your hands to press dough thinner, pressing towards the crust. Repeat on the other section of dough.
- Once at a desired thickness, add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, toppings and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes or until crust is crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cook for several minutes. Enjoy!
