FAQs Expert Answers to Common Queries

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Dough Dorks dough balls — answered.

General

How big is the pizza from one dough ball? +

Each 265g – 270g dough ball makes a 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizza — perfect for one hungry person or two to share.

Why is 48-hour fermentation better for dough? +

The longer fermentation process improves flavour and texture. It breaks down gluten naturally, making the dough easier to digest, and gives it that signature Neapolitan chew and airiness.

Are your dough balls handmade? +

Yes! Every dough ball is handcrafted using traditional Italian techniques, then proofed in individual pots before freezing. No machines, no shortcuts — just real dough, made by real people.

How is your dough packaged and delivered? +

Each dough ball comes in its own proofing pot for freshness and convenience. We pack them frozen with insulation to keep them cold during delivery across the UK.

For specific areas in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, get in touch for details.

Is your dough suitable for making other dishes? +

Yes! Our dough is versatile — perfect for pizzas, garlic bread, calzones, loaf of bread, or even flatbreads. Get creative and have fun!

Can I buy in bulk or for events? +

Absolutely! Whether you're planning a pizza party, event, or need wholesale supply, just get in touch — we offer custom orders and larger quantities for businesses and private events.

How quickly will you deliver my order? +

If you order before 2pm Monday to Friday, your order will ship the same day and be delivered the next business day. For more information, visit our delivery page.

Dough Storage

How long do the dough balls last in the freezer? +

Up to 3 months. For best results, keep them frozen until the day before use.

Can I refreeze dough after defrosting? +

Yes, you can refreeze our dough thanks to its strong gluten structure. Just don't overdo it — refreezing too often can mess with the texture and fermentation. For the best pizza, only defrost what you need.

How long do they last in the fridge? +

They can last in the fridge for 2–3 days for the best quality. Up to 5 days is still okay, but they can over-ferment.

Preparing My Dough

How do I defrost the dough balls? +

Simply remove the dough balls from the freezer and place them (in their proofing pots, not in bags) in the fridge overnight. Take them out 2–4 hours before use to come to room temperature.

As summer arrives, this will become 1–2 hours — just keep an eye on it.

Can I defrost my dough in the microwave? +

Nope! Microwaving your dough isn't a good idea — it messes with the texture. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours instead.

Dough is too sticky to handle? +

Why this happens: Sticky dough typically results from one of three scenarios: the dough is too cold and condensation has formed on the surface, the dough hasn't been brought to room temperature properly, or our 48-hour double-fermented dough has higher hydration than standard supermarket dough.

The solution:

  • Timing is everything — remove dough balls from the fridge 2–4 hours before stretching
  • Flour liberally but wisely — dust your work surface with semolina or 00 flour
  • Pat, don't knead — gently pat the dough ball to flatten the centre while leaving a 1–2 inch border
  • Humidity matters — on humid days, use slightly more flour
The dough keeps snapping back when I stretch it? +

This means the gluten is still tight. Let the dough rest for another 10–15 minutes at room temperature, then try again. The gluten will relax, making stretching much easier.

Remember: at least 3–4 hours from the fridge to get to room temperature. On hot days, 1–2 hours.

My pizza has a soggy centre +

This usually comes from too much sauce or wet toppings like fresh mozzarella. Less is more!

  • Use 2–3 tablespoons of sauce maximum and spread it thinly
  • Pre-cook watery vegetables like mushrooms or peppers
  • Make sure your oven is fully preheated to maximum temperature
Should I pre-cook any toppings? +

Pre-cook watery vegetables (mushrooms, peppers, spinach) and meats like sausage. This removes excess moisture and ensures everything cooks evenly.

The dough is sticking to my pizza peel +

Use a generous dusting of semolina flour or cornmeal on your peel before placing the dough. These coarser flours act like tiny ball bearings. Work quickly once your pizza is topped — don't let it sit on the peel too long. Give it a little shake before launching to make sure it's moving freely.

How to Use Toppings

Best toppings for authentic Neapolitan pizza? +

Neapolitan pizza works best when toppings support steam release rather than trap it.

Tomato-led classics:

  • San Marzano tomato
  • Crushed raw tomato
  • Low-seasoning tomato base

Cheese choices:

  • Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
  • Fior di latte
  • Grated aged hard cheese for finishing

Light proteins:

  • Anchovy
  • Pepperoni
  • Prosciutto (added post-bake)
  • 'Nduja in controlled quantity

Vegetable toppings that behave well:

  • Mushrooms (pre-cooked)
  • Roasted peppers
  • Olives
  • Artichokes

Three topping rules: 1) Slice wet mozzarella first and drain 30 minutes. 2) Avoid stacking toppings in the middle. 3) Keep total topping weight below 100g–120g per pizza.

What not to put on a Neapolitan pizza? +

Ingredients that create problems:

Very wet vegetables:

  • Raw tomatoes
  • Courgette
  • Raw mushrooms

Heavy cheese overload:

  • Too much cheddar
  • Oily processed blends

Sugary sauces:

  • Barbecue sauce
  • Sweet chilli sauce

Thick meat piles:

  • Excess chicken
  • Minced beef layers

"If an ingredient releases more water than the dough can evaporate in 90 seconds, it works against Neapolitan structure." Pineapple is not inherently wrong — but must be dried first and used sparingly.

What makes San Marzano tomato different? +

San Marzano tomatoes have:

  • Lower acidity
  • Dense flesh
  • Fewer seeds
  • Lower water content than salad tomatoes
Type Meaning Why it matters
DOP Protected origin Stricter sourcing
San Marzano style Variety only Variable consistency

"For pizza, the biggest advantage of San Marzano tomatoes is consistency under extreme heat."

Best mozzarella for Neapolitan pizza? +

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana vs Fior di latte

Factor Buffalo Fior di latte
Moisture % Higher Lower
Fat release More Less
Bake behaviour Intense flavour Better control
Best for Pizza ovens Domestic ovens

"Buffalo mozzarella delivers flavour intensity, but fior di latte often gives better control in domestic ovens."

Cooking Your Pizza

Can I cook the dough in a regular oven? +

Absolutely! While our dough is amazing in wood-fired and gas ovens, it also performs beautifully in conventional ovens at high heat. We recommend 250°C or the maximum temperature your home oven goes. Cook on a pizza stone or steel.

Cooked Neapolitan pizza on wooden board
Is special equipment required? +

No special equipment is required. While a pizza stone, steel, or wood-fired oven gives the best results, you can still make incredible pizzas in a standard oven using a preheated baking tray at a high temperature.

What temperature for a wood-fired oven? +

Aim for 400–450°C (750–850°F). Your pizza should cook in 60–90 seconds. Watch it carefully and rotate halfway through for even cooking.

What temperature for a conventional home oven? +

Preheat your oven to the maximum temperature (usually 250°C/480°F) for at least 40 minutes. Use a pizza stone or steel if you have one, placed on the highest rack. Your pizza will take 5–8 minutes. Look for golden, bubbling cheese and a crispy base.

Gently brush the crust with olive oil before cooking for a golden and crispy crust.