This Crusty Sourdough Pizza is a real treat! With its crispy, chewy crust made from sourdough, it adds a special touch to your pizza night. Topped with your favorite goodies, it’s sure to please!
Making it is fun, too! I love how simple the sourdough gives it a unique flavor. Grab some friends, pile on the toppings, and enjoy a delicious pizza party at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Using an active, bubbly sourdough starter is key. If you don’t have one, you can mix equal parts flour and water with a pinch of yeast and let it sit for a few hours for a quick substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you could also use bread flour for a chewier crust. For gluten-free pizza, try a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is classic, but you can substitute with shredded mozzarella or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re vegan. For a flavor twist, consider using provolone or goat cheese.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought sauces are convenient, but a simple homemade blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs takes it up a notch. If you want something lighter, try a drizzle of olive oil instead of sauce.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Pizza Dough Texture?
The dough-making process is crucial for a great crust. When you knead the dough, you’re developing gluten, which gives it structure and chewiness. Here’s how to smooth it out:
- Start with all ingredients in a mixing bowl, combining them gently.
- Once a shaggy mixture appears, transfer to a floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, focusing on stretching and folding the dough.
- If it gets too sticky, lightly sprinkle more flour as needed—avoid adding too much to keep the dough fluffy.
After kneading, allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size; this is when the magic happens!
How to Make Crusty Sourdough Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 2 1/2 cups (320g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast (optional, for faster rise)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Optional toppings: pepperoni slices (as seen in image)
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation, 4-6 hours for rising, and then an additional 10-15 minutes for baking. Overall, it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon as you let the dough rise and come together for a delicious pizza experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the active sourdough starter, warm water, olive oil, and salt until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing everything together until you form a shaggy dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the mixture for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on it as you knead.
3. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you opted for instant yeast, the dough might rise faster.
4. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as hot as your oven can get. Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven at least 45 minutes before you plan to bake.
5. Shape the Dough:
After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a rough circle about 10-12 inches across. Be gentle with the edges to keep them puffy—this will help your crust rise nicely!
6. Add Toppings:
Move the shaped dough onto a pizza peel or parchment paper that’s been dusted with cornmeal or flour. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust. Add the mozzarella on top and any optional toppings like pepperoni.
7. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and blistered and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven. Sprinkle it with fresh basil and, if you like, drizzle a little olive oil over the top. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your crusty sourdough pizza with its deliciously chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese topped with fresh basil!
Can I Use Regular Yeast Instead of Sourdough Starter?
Yes, you can. If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use about 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast or instant yeast. Just mix it with the warm water and let it dissolve before adding the flour. This will speed up the rising process.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftover pizza, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or a skillet to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you plan to bake it.
What Are Some Good Topping Combinations?
There are countless delicious toppings you can try! Besides pepperoni, consider options like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, arugula, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking. Customize to suit your taste!
