PizzaExpress Dough Balls vs Pizza Dough Balls: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve searched for PizzaExpress dough balls while looking for dough to make pizza at home, the names can be confusing. PizzaExpress’s familiar Dough Balls are served as a side with garlic butter. A full-size pizza dough ball is portioned to be stretched into an entire pizza base.

They are both made from dough, but they solve different jobs. Here is how to choose the right one.

PizzaExpress dough balls vs pizza dough balls: the quick answer

PizzaExpress Dough Balls are small individual pieces intended as a side or appetiser, typically served with garlic butter. Pizza dough balls for making pizza are much larger single portions designed to be relaxed, stretched and topped as a pizza base.

PizzaExpress also sells separate pizza dough products in its Cook At Home range, so “PizzaExpress dough balls” and “PizzaExpress pizza dough” should not be treated as the same product.

What is the difference?

Can you use PizzaExpress Dough Balls to make a pizza?

If you mean the familiar small Dough Balls sold or served as a side, they are not portioned as one full pizza base. You could combine small pieces of dough, but that is not what the product is designed for and it makes sizing and handling less predictable.

If your aim is to make a full pizza at home, a dedicated pizza dough portion is the simpler option.

What size dough ball do you need for a 12-inch pizza?

Dough Dorks standard pizza dough balls are typically 260–270g each and are designed for approximately one generous 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizza. They are slow-fermented for 48 hours, individually proofed and frozen for freshness.

Read our pizza dough weight guide →

Where can you buy pizza dough balls for making pizza?

If you want dough balls specifically portioned for making pizza, you can buy pizza dough balls online from Dough Dorks for UK delivery. Keep them frozen, defrost what you need, let the dough relax, then stretch, top and bake.

Choose from Classic Neapolitan, Sourdough and flavoured pizza dough balls depending on what you are making.

Which type should you choose?

Choose small side-dish dough balls if…

• You want a tear-and-share side.
• You plan to serve them with garlic butter or another dip.
• You are not trying to stretch the portion into a full pizza base.

Choose full-size pizza dough balls if…

• You want to make a complete pizza.
• You want one predictable dough portion per pizza.
• You want dough that can be stretched by hand and topped.
• You want to keep pizza dough in the freezer and defrost only what you need.

How Dough Dorks pizza dough balls work

1. Keep the dough balls frozen until you need them.
2. Defrost each ball in its proofing pot.
3. Allow the dough to come up to temperature until soft and relaxed.
4. Release it onto a floured surface and stretch by hand rather than using a rolling pin.
5. Top lightly and bake in your pizza oven or home oven.

See the full pizza-making guide →

PizzaExpress dough balls FAQs

Are PizzaExpress Dough Balls the same as pizza dough?

They are made from dough, but the familiar side-dish Dough Balls are portioned and served differently from a full-size pizza dough portion. PizzaExpress also offers separate pizza-dough products for making pizzas at home.

Can I make a 12-inch pizza from one Dough Dorks dough ball?

Yes. A standard Dough Dorks dough ball is typically 260–270g and is intended for approximately one generous 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizza.

Where can I buy pizza dough balls in the UK?

You can order ready-made pizza dough balls directly from Dough Dorks for UK delivery. They are handmade in Dorset, slow-fermented for 48 hours, individually proofed and frozen for freshness.

Looking for dough balls made for pizza?

Shop Dough Dorks 48-hour fermented pizza dough balls, portioned for proper pizza at home and delivered frozen across the UK.

Shop pizza dough balls →

PizzaExpress is a trademark of its owner. Dough Dorks is not affiliated with or endorsed by PizzaExpress.