Out of Yeast, one case
Yeast substitute for pizza dough
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Baking powder + baking soda
Per 1 tsp yeast
1 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda
The best substitutes for yeast in pizza dough are baking powder + baking soda (1 tsp yeast = 1 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda), sourdough starter (½ cup per 1 tsp yeast), or self-rising flour (replace all-purpose flour).
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- quick pizza
One casethe full yeast card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp yeast | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baking powder + baking sodaquick pizza | 1 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking sodaYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Sourdough starterartisan pizza | ½ cup | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Self-rising flourquick pizza | Replace all-purpose flour with self-rising flourTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Beerbeer pizza | Replace liquid with room temperature beerTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Baking soda + acidquick pizza | ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp acid (lemon juice/vinegar)You'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Club sodathin crust pizza | Replace liquid with club soda | No verdict on record |
Baking powder + baking soda
different taste and texture
Chemical leavening agents that provide immediate rise without fermentation. Good for quick pizza when you don't have time for yeast rising.
- Best for
- quick pizza, thin crust pizza, when you need pizza fast
Chemical leavening, no rising time needed.
Sourdough starter
tangy · similar texture
Wild yeast and bacteria culture that provides natural leavening and tangy flavor. Requires longer rising time (4-8 hours) but adds complex flavor.
- Best for
- artisan pizza, sourdough pizza, when you want complex flavor
Natural leavening, requires longer rising time.
Self-rising flour
similar taste, different texture
Flour pre-mixed with baking powder and salt for instant leavening. No yeast needed, but results in different texture than yeast pizza dough.
- Best for
- quick pizza, thin crust pizza, when you want convenience
Pre-mixed with leavening agents, no yeast needed.
Beer
different taste, similar texture
Beer contains natural yeast that can provide leavening. Use room temperature beer and expect a longer rising time.
- Best for
- beer pizza, when you want beer flavor, artisan pizza
Natural yeast from beer provides leavening.
Baking soda + acid
different taste and texture
Baking soda reacts with acid to produce carbon dioxide for leavening. Use lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk as the acid component.
- Best for
- quick pizza, thin crust pizza, when you want immediate rise
Chemical reaction provides leavening.
Club soda
similar taste, light texture
Club soda contains carbon dioxide that can provide leavening. It's especially good for thin crust pizza.
- Best for
- thin crust pizza, when you want light texture, quick pizza
Carbonated water provides natural leavening.
How it behaves in this recipe
Making pizza dough without yeast requires different techniques and ingredients. The best substitute depends on the type of pizza you want to make - baking powder + baking soda for quick pizza, sourdough starter for artisan pizza, and self-rising flour for convenience.
Tips for substituting yeast
8 tips- For baking powder + baking soda: Mix with dry ingredients, no proofing needed
- For sourdough starter: Reduce liquid in recipe by ¼ cup per ½ cup starter used
- For self-rising flour: Reduce salt in recipe since it's already included
- For beer: Use room temperature beer and expect longer rising time
- For baking soda + acid: Mix acid with wet ingredients, baking soda with dry ingredients
- For club soda: Use cold club soda for best results
- Always check expiration dates on leavening agents
- For best results: Use the substitute that best matches your pizza style
Notes on yeast
- Use different types of beer for varied flavors
- Experiment with different sourdough starter hydration levels
- Combine baking powder with other leavening agents
- Use self-rising flour for convenience in quick pizza
- Try different acids with baking soda (lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk)
- Consider using a combination of substitutes for complex recipes
Questions
6 questionsWhat can I use instead of yeast in pizza dough?
The best substitutes for yeast in pizza dough are baking powder + baking soda (1 tsp yeast = 1 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda), sourdough starter (½ cup per 1 tsp yeast), or self-rising flour (replace all-purpose flour).
Can I make pizza dough without yeast?
Yes, you can make pizza dough without yeast using baking powder + baking soda, sourdough starter, or self-rising flour. The texture and flavor will be different, but you can still create delicious pizza.
How do I substitute baking powder for yeast in pizza dough?
Use 1 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda for every 1 tsp of yeast. This works best for quick pizza and thin crust, but won't give you the same texture as traditional yeast pizza dough.
Can I use sourdough starter instead of yeast in pizza dough?
Yes, you can use sourdough starter as a substitute for yeast in pizza dough. Use ½ cup starter per 1 tsp yeast and reduce the liquid in your recipe by ¼ cup. Expect longer rising time (4-8 hours).
What about self-rising flour for pizza dough?
Self-rising flour can work for pizza dough, especially for quick pizza and thin crust. Replace all-purpose flour with self-rising flour and reduce the salt in your recipe since it's already included.
Can I use beer instead of yeast in pizza dough?
Yes, you can use room temperature beer as a substitute for yeast in pizza dough. Beer contains natural yeast that can provide leavening, though it will add beer flavor to your pizza.