How to Fix Over-proofed Pizza Dough

Can pizza dough be over proofed?

Is it possible to overproof pizza dough?

Yes, it is possible to overproof pizza dough. In severe circumstances, overproofed dough can result in a dense and tough dough that produces poor quality pizza.

Overproofed pizza dough has the following visual indicators:

The size of the pizza dough has more than doubled.
Large bubbles can be found in the dough.
The pizza dough has deformed.

How can you recover from over-proofed pizza dough?

The knocking back technique is a simple way to correct over-proofed pizza dough. It may sound unusual, but don't worry, it's a lot easier than you think!

Step 1: Use the fingertip test to ensure that your dough is not over-proofed. The test consists of lightly pressing your finger into the surface of the dough for 2 seconds and then watching how soon it springs back. If the dough is over-proofed, the dent you make will be permanent. Knocking back is just a fancy way of saying "removing the air from dough." When this happens, the dough will rise once more.

Step 2: Take the dough out of the basket or other receptacle in which it is proving.

Step 3: Using the heel of your hand, press down on the dough (like kneading).

Step 4: Squeeze the air out with your fist (like a very slow punch).

Step 5: Take the dough in your palms and squeeze out the air.

Step 6: Reball dough balls that have been over-proofed.

Proofing Pizza Dough
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