This crusty sourdough pizza is a real treat! With a crispy, golden crust and a soft, chewy inside, it’s the perfect base for your favorite toppings.
Making pizza with sourdough brings a nice tangy flavor that you’ll love. I like to load mine with lots of cheese and fresh veggies—how about you? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Active sourdough starter is key for that distinct flavor and texture. If you don’t have a starter, you can use store-bought pizza dough or a quick bread dough, though it won’t have the same tanginess.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but if you want a chewier crust, try bread flour. For a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free flour mix, though the texture will differ.
Pizza Sauce: You can use canned tomato sauce for an easy solution. Alternatively, fresh diced tomatoes mixed with olive oil and herbs gives a lovely homemade vibe.
Cheese: I love fresh mozzarella for its creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, shredded mozzarella works too. Mix in some provolone or fontina for added flavor!
Pepperoni: Feel free to swap pepperoni for veggies for a healthier option or use cooked sausage for more heartiness. Vegan pepperoni is also a great choice!
How Do I Perfectly Knead the Dough?
Kneading dough helps develop gluten, giving it the necessary stretch and chewy texture. Here’s how to do this step effectively:
- Start with a lightly floured surface. Turn your dough out and shape it into a rough ball.
- Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- If it gets sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much; a little stickiness is okay!
Using a stand mixer? Just mix on low with a dough hook until smooth, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes!
Why Is the Oven Temperature So Important?
High heat is critical for pizza! A scorching oven creates that crisp crust and perfectly melted cheese. Here’s how to maximize your bake:
- Preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough.
- If you have a pizza stone, let it heat up in the oven. This helps create a crispy base.
- Place your pizza in the oven quickly to keep the heat in when you’re ready to bake.
The hotter the oven, the better your pizza will turn out!
Enjoy your homemade pizza night with friends and family! 🍕
Crusty Sourdough Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dough Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for dough and baking sheet)
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
- 6-8 slices pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation, plus around 4-6 hours for the dough to rise. Baking will take about 10-12 minutes. In total, you’re looking at a delicious pizza ready in about 4 to 6 hours half an hour after the dough rises and you start cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil. Give it a good stir until mixed well.
2. Mixing in the Flour:
Add the flour and salt into the bowl and mix until a shaggy dough starts to form. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth at this point—just combine everything.
3. Kneading the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer!
4. Letting the Dough Rise:
Next, place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours. Your dough should double in size!
5. Shaping the Dough:
After letting the dough rise, gently punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a ball and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and makes it easier to stretch.
6. Preheating the Oven:
While the dough rests, preheat your oven to its highest setting (450-500°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well!
7. Rolling Out the Dough:
On a piece of parchment paper, stretch or roll the dough out into a roughly 10-inch circle. Make sure to leave a thicker edge for the crust.
8. Adding the Sauce and Cheese:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Then scatter the mozzarella slices over the sauce, and evenly lay out the pepperoni slices on top.
9. Baking the Pizza:
Carefully transfer the pizza (still on the parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Garnishing and Serving:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh basil leaves and, if desired, some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice up and serve hot!
Enjoy your crispy, tangy crust with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni! Happy pizza making! 🍕
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly denser. If you prefer a lighter crust, consider mixing 50% whole wheat with 50% all-purpose flour.
How Do I Know When the Dough Has Risen Enough?
The dough should approximately double in size during the rising period. To test if it’s ready, gently poke the dough; if it springs back slowly and leaves a small indent, it’s good to go!
Can I Make the Pizza in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance. After kneading, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and refrigerate. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out for your pizza.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F, or use a skillet for that extra crispy crust!