This crispy, chewy Trader Joes Pizza Dough Recipe is made with store-bought dough, rich tomato sauce, and mozzarella, ready in just 45 minutes. Watching the crust puff up and turn golden brown in a screaming hot oven is incredibly satisfying. I love how this simple shortcut feels like a weekend treat on a busy weeknight.
What I Learned Making This
I used to struggle with cold store-bought dough shrinking back every time I tried to stretch it out. I quickly realized that letting it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes changes everything.
Another major lesson was ditching the rolling pin entirely to keep the air bubbles intact. Gently stretching the dough by hand creates that authentic, airy crust I was always chasing.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Pizza Dough Recipe Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 oz) Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough (plain, garlic & herb, or whole wheat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)

How To Make Trader Joes Pizza Dough Recipe
- Rest the dough: Remove the dough from the bag and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Stretch the dough: Dust a clean surface with flour. Gently press and stretch the dough outward with your fingertips until it forms a 12-inch circle.
- Add the toppings: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. Brush the edges with olive oil, then spread the pizza sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Bake the pizza: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is deeply browned and the cheese is bubbling.


Recipe Tips
- Let it warm up: Cold dough will snap back and resist stretching, so do not skip the room temperature rest.
- Use parchment paper: This makes transferring the raw pizza to a hot oven stone safe and completely stress-free.
- Avoid heavy toppings: Too much sauce or cheese will weigh down the center and cause a soggy crust.
What To Serve With Pizza
A crisp Caesar salad with sharp parmesan balances the rich, cheesy slices perfectly. You can also serve this with roasted garlic knots or a side of warm marinara for dipping the crusts.

How To Store
Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to keep the bottom crust crispy.
FAQs
Why is my Trader Joe’s dough so sticky?
The dough has a high hydration level to help it puff up in the oven. Simply dust your hands and your work surface with a little extra flour to make it manageable.
Can I freeze the raw dough?
Yes, you can freeze it right in its original bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before you plan to use it.
Do I need a pizza stone?
While a stone gives the absolute best crust, an inverted heavy-duty baking sheet works very well. Just make sure to preheat it along with the oven so the bottom cooks instantly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 35g
- Protein: 12g
Trader Joes Pizza Dough Recipe
4
servings35
minutes10
minutes45
minutesTrader Joes Pizza Dough Recipe creates a crispy, chewy crust using store-bought dough, classic marinara, and gooey mozzarella in just 45 minutes. It is the absolute best way to hack a fast, stress-free pizza night at home.
Ingredients
1 bag (16 oz) Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough (plain, garlic & herb, or whole wheat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
Directions
- Rest the dough: Remove the dough from the bag and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Stretch the dough: Dust a clean surface with flour. Gently press and stretch the dough outward with your fingertips until it forms a 12-inch circle.
- Add the toppings: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. Brush the edges with olive oil, then spread the pizza sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Bake the pizza: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is deeply browned and the cheese is bubbling.
