Gourmet Restaurant Quality Pizzas Every Time, With Gault’s Deli Pizza Kit Help Hub • Gaults Deli

Pizza Dough FAQs – Gault’s Deli Pizza Kit Help Hub

Kia ora and welcome! Whether it’s your first time using our pizza dough or you’re a seasoned pizza pro, here’s your ultimate guide to making magic at home with Gault’s Deli Pizza Kits.

🧃 Working With Our Dough

1. How do I defrost the dough properly?
Pop it in the fridge overnight (8–12 hours). Then leave it on the bench for 2–4 hours before shaping. It should feel relaxed, puffy, and stretchy.

Working with our 15 Day Fridge-Stable 500g Pizza Dough
Remove from the bag. Then leave it on the bench for 2–4 hours before shaping. It should feel relaxed, puffy, and stretchy.

2. My dough’s snapping back when I stretch it.
That’s tight gluten. Cover it with a damp tea towel and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. Don’t fight it—dough needs to relax before it stretches properly.

3. It feels sticky – is that normal?
Yep! A little stickiness means it’s well-hydrated and lively. Lightly flour your hands and bench – but not too much, or you’ll dry it out.

4. Can I refreeze the dough?
Nope. Once thawed, it’s go time. Refreezing affects texture and quality.

5. I got a hole while stretching – help!
No worries. Pinch the dough around the hole and press it back together. Flip it over so the patched side is underneath – it’ll seal as it cooks.

6. What if I don’t use the dough straight away after defrosting?
Store it in the fridge in an airtight container or oiled bowl for up to 2 days. Bring it back to room temp before using.

👋 Stretching & Shaping Tips

Use your fingertips to gently stretch the dough from the centre outward. Avoid using a rolling pin—it flattens all those lovely air bubbles that make your crust airy and delicious.

🍞 Bonus Tip: Leftover Dough = Epic Bread

Got a spare dough ball? Turn it into golden, chewy bread:

Line a loaf tin with baking paper.
Drizzle in extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Press in the leftover dough.
Drizzle more olive oil and a final sprinkle of salt.
Let it proof somewhere warm until puffed.
Bake at 185°C for 20–25 minutes or until golden on top.
Serve warm. Prepare to be impressed.

🔥 Cooking & Baking Tips

7. What’s the ideal oven setup?
Preheat your oven to 250–275°C fan bake. Use a preheated pizza stone or steel for best results. Heat for 30–45 minutes before baking.

🍕 Oven Temperatures & Styles – Find Your Perfect Pizza Match

Whether you’re using a home oven, air fryer, or a pizza oven like an Ooni, Breville, or the F1 Effeuno N3 with a Biscotto stone, use this chart to match your pizza style:

Pizza Style	Temp	Cook Time	Best For / Notes
Air Fryer Mini Pizza	200°C (390°F)	6–8 mins	Small bases only. Go easy on toppings.
Sicilian / Deep Dish	230–260°C (450–500°F)	20–30 mins	Thick and fluffy. Baked in oiled tray. Sauce always goes on top.
Home Oven Pizza	250–275°C (480–525°F)	7–10 mins	Fan bake on bottom rack. Finish under grill for golden crust.
Detroit-style	290–315°C (550–600°F)	12–15 mins	Baked in steel pan. Cheese to the edge. Sauce on top after baking.
New York-style	315–370°C (600–700°F)	4–7 mins	Chewy base, crisp bottom. Works great with our dough on a stone or steel.
Classic Wood-Fired	370–430°C (700–800°F)	90 secs – 3 mins	Artisan-style with charred, airy crust and minimal toppings.
Neapolitan-style	400–480°C (750–900°F)	60–90 secs	Best for pizza ovens like Ooni, Effeuno, or Breville with a Biscotto stone.

🧀 Cheese & Topping Tips

8. What cheese works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella is your go-to for that perfect melt and stretch. Want to level it up? Add:

🧂 Grated parmesan for savoury depth
💙 Crumbled blue cheese for a bold, creamy hit
🐐 Goat cheese for tangy sophistication
🧀 Burrata or fresh mozzarella after baking for a luxe finish

Simon Says: Avoid using fresh mozzarella in a home oven unless you’re confident with moisture control – too much water = soggy base.

9. When should I add herbs like basil or rocket?
After baking. They stay bright and fresh instead of turning into sad, wilted greens.

Extra Tip: Want to blow minds? Try a drizzle of black garlic honey after baking—sweet, savoury, umami magic. Or finish with truffle oil, hot honey, or a splash of chilli oil.

🧮 Sauce & Topping Guide

How much should I use per pizza dough?

🍅 Sauce: 2–3 tablespoons
🧀 Cheese: 35–75g
🍄 Toppings: Keep it to 2–3 max – less is more for a crispy result!

🛠️ Troubleshooting

10. My crust is pale and soft.
Make sure your oven and pizza stone are fully preheated. Use the bottom rack and finish under the grill for extra colour and crisp.

11. The base is burnt but the top’s underdone.
Drop the oven temp slightly and move the pizza to a higher rack. Ovens vary, so tweak until it’s just right.