No-Knead Overnight Whole Wheat Pizza Dough with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An easy no-knead whole wheat pizza dough that develops flavor overnight, topped with a vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto and fresh mozzarella. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes blends (300 g) whole wheat flour, (125 g) all-purpose flour, (420 ml) warm water into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp active dry yeast.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 3/4 cups warm water at 105°F and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Lightly oil another large bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil. Transfer dough to the bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight for 12 to 18 hours.
  4. Step 4: The next day, remove dough from fridge, let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet on the middle rack.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare sun-dried tomato pesto by blending 1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, 1 garlic clove, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp pine nuts, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil until smooth.
  7. Step 7: On a floured surface, gently stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle.
  8. Step 8: Transfer dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread 1/3 cup sun-dried tomato pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  9. Step 9: Arrange 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top.
  10. Step 10: Slide the pizza with parchment onto the hot stone and bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  11. Step 11: Remove from oven, let cool 3 minutes, slice, and serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Knead Overnight Whole Wheat Pizza Dough with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover No-Knead Overnight Whole Wheat Pizza Dough with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Knead Overnight Whole Wheat Pizza Dough with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Knead Overnight Whole Wheat Pizza Dough with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Knead Overnight Whole Wheat Pizza Dough with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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