Is Yeast Necessary For Pizza Dough?

Is Yeast Necessary For Pizza Dough?

To make a Pizza Crust rise, one must add yeast. Yeast is a type of fungus that, when combined with water, sugar, and flour, produces carbon dioxide. This process is called fermentation.

In this post, we’ll cover why yeast is good for pizza dough, even if you have to make your own.

What is Yeast?

Yeast is a living organism that eats sugars and converts them into carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. It’s this process that causes the dough to rise. When yeast is mixed with water, it creates heat which helps melt sugar in the dough.

When the yeast is added to the dough, it also releases enzymes that break down the flour’s proteins into smaller compositions.

Yeast is the one ingredient your pizza dough will need the most. Yeast causes the pizza dough to rise. Yeast also helps make an airy and bubbly crust.

Many people know what yeast does and what it’s used for, but not everyone understands how it works to help make a tasty crust.

Is Pizza Without Yeast Good?

Pizza dough is a very versatile dish, and there are many different ways to make it. Even though yeast is a key ingredient for pizza dough, some people still find it unnecessary.

Pizza dough recipes that don’t include yeast usually use Baking Powder or Baking Soda instead. But is yeast really necessary for pizza dough? We would say, yes and here is why.

If you have ever made a pizza before, or any kind of bread really, then you know that one of the most important ingredients is yeast. Without yeast, the dough will never rise and you’ll have a flat and heavy crust.

This is why when people make pizza from scratch, they always add yeast to their dough.

Types of Yeast

There are many different types of yeast, the most common of which are active dry yeast and rapid rise yeast. These two types of yeast, despite their similar name, are very different and should not be confused.

There is also instant yeast, bread machine yeast, cake yeast, and brewer’s yeast. These are all different forms of yeast that have their differences and can be used for various applications.

However, for your pizza, you will need a sourdough starter or active dry yeast.

Sourdough Starter

Some pizza dough is made with a “sourdough” starter, which is a combination of flour, water, and bacteria. The bacteria can include wild yeast, which is what gives the dough its characteristic tangy flavor.

The bacteria also help the dough rise and give the pizza crust a unique texture.

Active Dry Yeast

Active dry yeast is a type of yeast that is made from a single-celled fungus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is widely used in baking and fermentation. This yeast is typically available in either a granular or a powdered form.

The granular form of this yeast is produced by “puffing” the yeast, which makes it expand and become porous.

Active dry yeast is a type of dry yeast that must be added to warm water before it is used in the making of the dough. The water should be around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, but not much hotter.

The yeast should be added slowly so it does not clump. Once mixed, the yeast should remain in a warm place for about 10 minutes.

Instant Yeast

Instant yeast has a longer shelf life than active dry yeast but requires a different usage. It must be dissolved in warm water and mixed into a dough mixture to be used immediately.

It is best to use a whisk to mix the yeast into the water, and to be sure to add it within 10 minutes of dissolving it. If the yeast is left in the water too long, it will get foamy and form a foam.

Fresh Yeast

It is hard to find it in stores. However, this is the liveliest yeast type and compared to other yeast types has a shorter shelf life. It is simple to use: you can crumble it while mixing dry ingredients or dissolve it in warm water.

This type of yeast has amazing flavor and gives perfect results.

So, yeast is the most important ingredient for pizza dough. Keep in mind that yeast “loves” the right proportions. Use the right water temperature and enjoy your pizza-making process.