Pizza Troubleshooting: Find the Solution to the Most Common Pizza Problems

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Search Common Pizza Problems

Discover the Probable Causes

Find the Possible Solutions

Welcome to our pizza troubleshooting section!

Yes, we all have been there.  Something goes wrong, and you don’t know what caused the problem and don’t know how to fix it. 

Don’t be discouraged if you have experienced any of the below pizza problems; we now tell you the probable causes of your result and what you can do to fix it and ensure it does not happen again. 

If you experience any problems that we do not address here, don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know so we can help you and others who might experience the same pizza problem.

Pizza Dough Troubleshooting


Pizza Problem

My pizza dough is shrinking

stretching pizza dough to make circle
Pizza dough shrinks when shaping

Probable Cause

Your pizza problem may be caused by:

  • Overworked dough
  • Stressed gluten

Possible Solution

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Pizza Problem

My pizza dough is ripping

ripping dough
Pizza dough tears when stretched

Probable Cause

Your pizza problem may be caused by:

  • Gluten is not developed
  • You are using the wrong flour

Possible Solution

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Use a High Protein Flour
  • Knead your dough properly
  • Knead your dough evenly
  • Let your dough rest for 10 min.

Pizza Problem

Soggy Pizza

soggy pizza
The pizza crust won’t hold up

Probable Cause

Your pizza problem may be caused by:

  • Too much moisture
  • Too much sauce
  • Too much cheese

Possible Solution

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Set it in the oven for an additional 2 minutes.

Pizza Problem

My pizza dough is too sticky

sticky pizza dough in hands
Pizza dough sticks to your hands

Probable Cause

Your pizza problem may be caused by:

Possible Solution

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Add a tablespoon of flour.
  • Knead it for 5 minutes.

Pizza Problem

Over-proofed pizza dough

Over proofed pizza dough
The pizza crust over-proofed

Probable Cause

Your pizza problem may be caused by:

  • Too much yeast
  • Too much fermenting time
  • Hot fermenting temperature

Possible Solution

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Yeast should be less than 5% of the flour
  • Set a timer.
  • Proofing time should be 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. The best proofing temperature is 80 F.

Pizza Problem

My pizza is raw

raw pizza
Pizza is undercooked

Probable Cause

Your pizza problem may be caused by:

  • Not enough time in the oven.
  • The crust is too thick

Possible Solution

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Set the pizza in the oven for another 3 minutes.

Pizza Problem

My pizza is sticking to the peel

pizza dough sticks on peel
The pizza won’t slide from the pizza peel

Probable Cause

Your pizza problem may be caused by:

  • Not enough flour on the working surface, peel, or stone.

Possible Solution

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Add flour to the working surface.
  • Add coarse cornmeal to the pizza peel.
  • Add flour or cornmeal to the pizza stone.

Pizza Problem

My pizza is not rising

Pizza dough not rising
Pizza dough not fermenting

Probable Cause

Your pizza problem may be caused by:

  • Yeast could be dead.
  • Not enough rising time
  • The temperature is too cold

Possible Solution

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Let it rest for another 30 minutes; if it doesn’t rise, the yeast is dead.
  • Start a new batch with fresh yeast.
  • Set the dough to rest at 80F

What are the Most Common Pizza Problems?

As you can see most pizza problems are caused by poor fermentation or inadequate hydration. Fermentation plays a significant role in the pizza-making process, particularly gluten development.

Water is also the second most crucial factor to consider. Once you learn how to control these variants, you will be a PRO in no time.

Here are some resources on pizza dough fermentation

Here’s is What the PROs at Homemade Pizza Pro Use and Recommend for Pizza Dough Fermentation

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Here are some resources on pizza dough hydration

Pizza Dough Troubleshooting Additional Resources


Homemade Pizza FAQs

How to Start Making Pizza?


Making pizza at home is actually very simple and anyone can do it.  If you don’t have a mixer you can still make the dough by hand.

Check our guide on How to Get Started to begin your pizza-making journey.

Do I need a pizza oven to make pizza at home?


No, you can make pizza in a regular kitchen oven, and these days you can even make pizza on your stove or your grill. 

Check our Recommended Oven Section to find the oven that best suits your needs.

What is the best flour for pizza?


The best flour for pizza is flour that contains a high-protein content.  Of course, it will depend on the kind of oven you have.

In terms of the brand, we’ve found that Caputo Chef’s Flour works best for home ovens while Caputo Pizzeria works best for high-temperature ovens. 

To learn more about flour and why we think Caputo is best check the Best Flour for Pizza article.

How long should I bake pizza?


The time to cook your pizza will depend on the kind of pizza you are making and the kind of oven you have. 

The lower the temperature the longer will take to cook your pizza.  On average it will take 12 to 15 min to cook pizza in a 500F oven. 

For details on specific cooking times and temperatures check the Guide to Oven Temperature and Cooking Time article.

What kind of yeast should I use for pizza?


To make pizza dough you can use any yeast you have available.  You can use fresh, instant, or active dry yeast. 

The amount of yeast to use will vary depending on which one you use. 

We found that active dry yeast gives the best results, to find out why we think is best to check Yeast: Here is What You Need to Know article.

What is the best hydration percentage?


On average water should be 65% of the total weight of flour.  For example, if your recipe calls for 500g of flour, you should add 325g of water (500 x .65 = 325).

Of course, the temperature of the oven will also have an impact on your final result. 

Check our guidelines our Baker’s Percentage Charts for the best results.

For more pizza questions, check our Pizza FAQs Page or Contact Us.​

Enjoy!

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