FOOD One Dough, Many Ways – The Ultimate Guide to Versatile Homemade Dough

One Dough, Many Ways – The Ultimate Guide to Versatile Homemade Dough

by Thelittleshine
by Thelittleshine

Homemade dough is the foundation of countless comfort foods—pizza, flatbreads, pies, breads, dinner rolls, and more. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can prepare a simple base dough and transform it into multiple delicious variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Below is a guide to one base dough recipe plus five easy variations you can make from it.

One Dough, Many Ways – The Ultimate Guide to Versatile Homemade Dough

Base Dough Recipe

This versatile dough works for pizzas, flatbreads, buns, rolls, and savory pies.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose (AP) flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tsp yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together.
  3. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover and let the dough rest for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Use immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Dough Variations

1. Whole Wheat Dough

A wholesome and fiber-rich option.

How to modify:
Replace 1 to 1½ cups AP flour with whole wheat flour.
Add 1–2 tbsp extra water or milk to maintain softness.
Rise: +20 min more

✔ Best for: Flatbreads, rotis, healthy pizzas, dinner rolls.

2. Herb Dough

Perfect for garlic breads, focaccia, and flavored pizza crusts.

Add to the base dough:

  • 1 tbsp dried herbs (oregano, basil, Italian mix, thyme, etc.)
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

✔ Best for: Breadsticks, focaccia, garlic knots.

3. Sourdough Variation

For tangy flavor and longer fermentation benefits.

Swap: Use ½ cup active sourdough starter instead of yeast
Adjust: Water to ¾ cup
Rise: 6–8 hrs or overnight in fridge
Best for: artisan bread, sourdough pizza.

4. 2-Ingredient Dough

A quick no-yeast option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

Mix, shape immediately, and bake.

✔ Best for: Bagels, naan, quick pizzas, biscuits.

5. Gluten-Free Dough

For gluten-sensitive baking.

Swap flour with:

  • A gluten-free flour blend
    Add:
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg (helps with binding and softness)

✔ Best for: GF pizzas, flatbreads, mini buns.

How to Use These Doughs

Use any version to make:

  • 🍕 Pizza
  • 🫓 Flatbreads & naan
  • 🥖 Dinner rolls
  • 🥧 Savory pies
  • 🧄 Garlic bread / breadsticks
  • 🥯 Bagels & buns

Tips for Perfect Dough Every Time

  • Let dough rest for at least 10 minutes before rolling.
  • Use parchment paper for easy handling.
  • Brush with olive oil or butter before baking for color.
  • Bake at 220°C / 425°F for 10–15 minutes depending on thickness.