One Dough, Three Ways: Sweet, Savory, and Neutral

Some days you want sweet.
Some days you want savory.
Most days, you just want something that works — fast, flexible, and good enough that people ask, “Wait… you made this?”

That’s where one dough, three ways comes in.

Instead of making (and cleaning up after) three separate recipes, this approach gives you one simple base dough that can lean sweet, savory, or stay neutral depending on what you add after.

It’s the kind of baking trick that fits real life — busy days, last-minute plans, and those moments when you want variety without chaos.

This is the dough I use when I need:

• grab-and-go bites
• something for kids and adults
• options that still taste indulgent

Let’s break it down.

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The Base Dough (Neutral & Flexible)

This dough is intentionally mild. It’s not sugary, not salty — which means it can swing in any direction.

Base Dough Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ⅓ cup olive oil (or melted butter)
• ¾ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)

How to Prep the Base

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Stir in olive oil and milk until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead lightly (just until smooth — don’t overwork).
5. Divide dough into three equal portions.

That’s it.
From here, the magic happens.

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Version 1: Sweet Dough (Comfort-Level Sweet, Not Over-the-Top)

This is for muffins, snack bites, soft bars, or quick breakfast treats. Sweet, but still balanced.

Add to ONE portion of dough:

• • 2 tbsp sugar or honey
  • ½ tsp vanilla
• Optional:
  • cinnamon
  • citrus zest
  • mini chocolate chips
  • chopped fruit

How to Use It

• Roll into small balls for snack bites
• Press into a mini loaf pan
• Flatten into rustic rounds

Bake time:
12–15 minutes for small bites
20–25 minutes for loaves

Flavor Tip

If you’re adding something like olive oil or whole wheat flour, this dough handles it well without tasting “healthy.” It still feels like a treat — just a little more grounded. Feel free to experiment with frosting-add zests of lemon or orange for sweet, but not overwhelmingly…

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Version 2: Savory Dough (Where This Really Shines)

This is my favorite direction — because it surprises people how many directions you can go flavor-wise.

Add to ONE portion of dough:

• • ½ tsp garlic powder or onion powder
  • herbs (rosemary, thyme, Italian blend)
  • grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella)

Optional add-ins:

• cracked pepper
• chopped olives
• sun-dried tomatoes

How to Use It

• Flatten into savory biscuits
• Roll into pull-apart bites
• Shape into snack squares

Bake time:
15–18 minutes until lightly golden

Why This Works

Savory baking feels special without being heavy. These bites work for:

• quick lunches
• party trays
• “I need something not sweet” moments

And yes — a light glaze or savory spread on top is totally fair game.

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Version 3: Neutral Dough (Your Wild Card)

This one stays simple so you can decide later what it wants to be.

Keep this portion exactly as-is.

How to Use It

• Bake plain and split later
• Use as sandwich-style bites
• Add toppings after baking (sweet or savory)

This version is perfect when:

• you’re baking ahead
• you want options
• you don’t know who you’re feeding yet

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Baking & Storage Tips (This Is Where Life Gets Easier)

Batch Baking

• Bake all three versions at once
• Use parchment paper to separate flavors
• Rotate pans halfway through

Storage

• Room temp: 1–2 days
• Fridge: up to 5 days
• Freezer: up to 2 months (wrap well)

Reheating

• Oven or air fryer > microwave (keeps texture better)
• Add a light drizzle or spread after reheating to refresh flavor

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Why This Approach Actually Works

This is about baking smarter.

You get:

• variety without overwhelm
• less cleanup
• more flexibility
• better use of ingredients you already have

And most importantly:
👉 everything still tastes good

No one feels like they’re eating a “compromise bite.”

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Final Thought

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen thinking:

“I want options, but I don’t want to start over three times…”

This is your answer.

One dough.
Three directions.
Endless ways to make it work for your day.

Whether it’s a soccer run, a street fair, or just needing something ready when hunger hits — this kind of baking meets you where you are.