Some people say that shortcuts don't pay off. Those people must spend way too much time in kitchen.

If, like me, you are always looking for ways to shave off prep and cleanup time, ignore those people and grab your favorite pizza dough. You can whip up something super tasty with a fraction of the effort that it takes to labor over homemade dough.

Here's an easy pizza dough recipe if you need one. 

1. Chili Cheese Dogs in Beach Blankets

AKA Pigs in a Blanket 2.0 -- this recipe includes an easy way to make chili, but you can totally use leftover or canned stuff if you'd prefer to shave off half of your cooking time. Kids will love this one.

2. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Bites

Choosing between buffalo wings and pizza is never easy, but it's occasionally necessary. Don't put yourself through that. Make this instead.

3. Easiest Cinnamon Rolls Ever

Ok, these might not taste exactly like something that you destroyed your kitchen over, but they are honestly pretty darn close.

4. Cheese and Crab Cups

If you don't have lump crab, you can use imitation crab or even something like shrimp or chicken, although you might want to swap out the dill for something like freshly cracked black pepper or basil. Up to you!

5. Easy Samosas

Crunchy, pillowy samosa pockets are the best vehicles for curry-spiced potatoes and veggies (or anything else you want to stuff inside, like maybe pizza fixings), but it can take a bit of work to knead out the dough. Solved. P.S. these will also turn out great if you use puff pastry for your dough.

6. Pizza Rolls

Use crescent rolls or slice some pizza dough into triangles -- either way, you have a fun, homemade way to make everyone's favorite childhood snack. I personally would not recommend sharing in this case.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Messy Bread

If you've never had Messy Bread (aka Monkey Bread or Bubble Bread) you are missing out! Using canned pizza dough is so simple; all you need to do is cube it, toss it with butter and some sweet stuff and throw it in the oven. Craving something savory instead? Use the same basic idea but top with parmesan and garlic (details here).

8. Donuts

Who knew you could make this fried, sugary treat so easily? I'm definitely saving this one for the next time I find myself with a little extra dough left over from another dish. Score!