How to Tell if Pizza Dough is Bad
Your Guide to Freshness and Safety from Plaza Pizza
When you're craving the best thin-crust pizza near you in Ohio, the last thing you want is to bite into a slice made with bad dough. Pizza dough is the foundation of a great pizza, and if it has gone bad, it can significantly impact the quality of the pizza and even pose health risks. In this blog, we'll cover the signs of bad pizza dough, the causes behind it, and the steps Plaza Pizza takes to ensure its dough is always fresh, giving you the perfect pizza every time.
1. Signs That Pizza Dough Has Gone Bad
If you're wondering whether pizza dough is past its prime, there are a few key signs to look for. Here are the top 3 to 5 indicators:
- Sour Smell: Fresh dough should have a mild, yeasty aroma. If your dough smells sour or unpleasant, it's likely started to ferment too much or has been contaminated with bacteria. A strong sour smell is a clear sign the dough has gone bad.
- Discoloration: Pizza dough should be a light, uniform color, usually white or off-white. If the dough develops gray spots or an overall grayish tint, it’s a sign of oxidation or mold growth, meaning the dough is no longer safe to use.
- Slimy Texture: The dough should feel slightly sticky, but if it’s slimy or overly sticky, it's a red flag. The slimy texture indicates bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
- Hard or Dry Patches: Pizza dough should be soft and pliable. If you notice dry, crusty patches, the dough has been exposed to air and has dried out, making it tough and less appetizing to eat.
- Visible Mold: This one is obvious, but if you see any mold growth—no matter how small—throw the dough out immediately. Mold can spread beyond what’s visible, making the entire batch unsafe to eat.
2. What Causes Pizza Dough to Go Bad?
Several factors contribute to pizza dough spoiling, including:
- Time: Dough doesn't last forever. Even when stored in the fridge, it has a limited shelf life, typically around three to five days. After this time, it begins to break down, leading to bad smells and textures.
- Improper Storage: Pizza dough that isn’t stored in an airtight container or is left out at room temperature for too long will start to spoil faster. Exposure to air and moisture increases the risk of bacterial growth and mold.
- Contamination: Handling dough with dirty hands or utensils can introduce harmful bacteria that speed up spoilage.
- Over-fermentation: If the dough is left to rise too long or at an incorrect temperature, it can over-ferment. This results in an overly sour taste and a dough that’s too sticky or loose to handle properly.
3. Effects of Bad Pizza Dough
Eating pizza made from spoiled dough can affect both the pizza itself and those who consume it.
- Impact on Pizza Quality: Bad dough results in poor texture, flavor, and overall experience. A pizza with bad dough might taste sour, have a dense or overly chewy crust, or develop an unappealing appearance with discoloration or irregular texture.
- Health Risks: Consuming bad dough can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like E. coli or salmonella. Symptoms might include stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. It's always better to err on caution and discard any dough that seems off.
4. How Plaza Pizza Ensures Fresh Dough
At Plaza Pizza, ensuring each customer enjoys the freshest and best thin-crust pizza near you is a top priority. Here’s how they keep their dough fresh and prevent spoilage:
- Daily Fresh Dough Preparation: Plaza Pizza prepares fresh dough daily, ensuring that it’s always at its peak when making your pizza. This practice reduces the likelihood of using older, potentially spoiled dough.
- Proper Storage Techniques: Plaza Pizza follows strict storage guidelines, keeping the dough in temperature-controlled environments and storing it in airtight containers to prevent contamination and drying out.
- Frequent Inspections: Before each batch of dough is used, it’s inspected for any signs of spoilage. No slimy, discolored, or moldy dough makes it into your pizza.
- Strict Hygiene Standards: Plaza Pizza's kitchen staff follow stringent hygiene protocols, washing their hands regularly and using clean utensils when handling dough to prevent cross-contamination.
- Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used to make the dough also plays a significant role. Plaza Pizza uses high-quality flour and yeast, ensuring that their dough is fresh and delicious.
Conclusion
Knowing if pizza dough has gone bad can save you from a disappointing meal and potential health issues. From sour smells to slimy textures, it's essential to recognize the warning signs before using the dough. At Plaza Pizza, you can rest assured that their commitment to freshness ensures every bite of pizza you enjoy is made with the best dough possible. Whether you're craving a classic pie or the best thin-crust pizza near you in Ohio, Plaza Pizza has you covered.
By following proper storage techniques, using fresh ingredients, and adhering to high hygiene standards, Plaza Pizza guarantees that its dough is always fresh, delivering the best pizza experience every time.
Plaza Pizza® catering delivers hot, crowd-pleasing meals for any event. Easy online ordering, full menu, and delivery in Newark, Heath & Johnstown!
Learn how to safely store and reheat your leftovers from the Plaza Pizza menu. Get expert tips for enjoying the best pizza in Ohio—again and again—without compromising taste or food safety.
At Plaza Pizza, we take pride in serving classic, time-tested favorites that our customers love.
L egendary pizza and mouthwatering sides at Plaza Pizza Ohio are local favorites. While their thin-crust pizzas steal the spotlight, two menu items that customers rave about are the Torpedo Sub and Garlic Bread . These delicious options make the perfect complement to any meal—or a meal on their own! The Torpedo Sub : A Toasted Masterpiece Plaza Pizza’s Torpedo Sub is a flavor-packed combination of premium ingredients stacked on a perfectly toasted hoagie . This savory sandwich includes: Ham, cheese, and salami Freshly sliced tomato, onion, banana peppers, and cucumber A touch of mayo for a creamy finish Want to make it even better? You can customize it with extra toppings such as: Italian dressing Pizza sauce Extra garlic At just $6.99 , this sub is a go-to favorite for anyone craving a hot, fresh, and satisfying bite! Garlic Bread : The Ultimate Sidekick A great pizza meal isn’t complete without Garlic Bread , and Plaza Pizza does it just right. Their 9-inch hoagie bun is slathered in house-made garlic butter , sprinkled with oregano , and toasted to golden perfection . Every order comes with a side of their signature marinara sauce , making it the perfect appetizer or complement to any dish. Want to level up your garlic bread game? Try the Garlic Bread with Cheese , which adds a gooey layer of melted perfection . Garlic Bread – $3.99 Garlic Bread with Cheese – $4.99 Both are available with extra garlic butter, Italian dressing, marinara sauce, or ranch for just $0.99 more !
For those who crave the delicious flavors of Plaza Pizza but want a lighter twist, the cauliflower crust pizza is an excellent choice. This low-carb, gluten-friendly alternative has become a favorite among those seeking a healthier way to enjoy pizza without sacrificing taste.
When craving the unmistakable crunch and savory flavor of thin-crust pizza, there’s nothing like finding a place that nails that perfect balance. Thin-crust enthusiasts know the joy of each bite—delicate yet satisfying, crispy without being too dense, and topped with just the right amount of sauce and cheese. If you’re wondering, “Who has the best thin-crust pizza near me ?” the answer might be closer than you think. Plaza Pizza is renowned for its thin crust done to perfection, offering a pizza experience that stands out from the competition. What Makes Plaza Pizza’s Thin-Crust the Best ? 1. Handcrafted Dough with Authentic Flavor Plaza Pizza starts with a traditional dough rolled to perfection, delivering a light and crispy crust. Each pizza crust is baked until golden, with the perfect texture that’s just as delightful on its own as it is with toppings. 2. Fresh Ingredients in Every Bite From ripe tomatoes to the finest mozzarella, Plaza Pizza doesn’t compromise quality. Their toppings are always fresh, balancing rich flavors with a delicate crust that enhances each ingredient’s natural taste. Whether you’re a fan of the classic or crave adventurous toppings, you’ll experience freshness in every slice. 3. The Art of a Perfect Bake Baking a thin-crust pizza to perfection requires attention to timing and temperature, and Plaza Pizza has mastered it. Each pizza emerges from the oven with a golden, crispy crust, ideal for folding or savoring slice by slice. 4. Customizable Options for Every Pizza Lover Plaza Pizza offers a variety of options so you can personalize your thin-crust pizza experience. They cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs, providing vegetarian, meat, and gluten-free options without compromising quality or taste. Top Toppings to Try on Plaza Pizza’s Thin-Crust To truly appreciate Plaza Pizza’s craftsmanship, try pairing your thin crust with some of their most popular toppings: ALL THE MEATS PIZZA : Meat lover's favorite! Pepperoni, bacon, ham, sausage, hamburger. ALL THE WAY PIZZA : Pepperoni, mushroom, onion, green pepper, green olive, banana pepper. BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA: BBQ base sauce, chicken, red onion, pineapple. Topped with BBQ sauce drizzle and chopped cilantro. BLT PIZZA: Placed into the oven with bacon and sauce. When it comes out, we top it with lettuce and tomato. BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA: It's cooked with Buffalo sauce and chicken. When it's done, we add more chicken and top it with more buffalo sauce, ranch, and green onion. VEGGIE PIZZA: It's All the Way but without pepperoni! It's made with mushrooms, onion, green, olive, and banana pepper. SHIRLEY LOU PIZZA: Named after the owner's late grandmother, it has house-made apple pie filling, streusel topping, and icing. Why Choose Plaza Pizza for Your Next Thin-Crust? Plaza Pizza’s focus on quality ingredients, precise baking methods, and commitment to great flavor make it a go-to spot for thin-crust pizza fans. With an array of toppings and an emphasis on crafting each pizza to satisfy, it’s no wonder that Plaza Pizza is frequently the answer to “Who has the best thin-crust pizza near me?” For thin-crust lovers seeking a delicious, crunchy, and flavor-packed pizza, Plaza Pizza promises an experience worth every bite. Next time you’re craving pizza perfection, give their thin crust a try and see why it’s loved by so many!