Crusty sourdough pizza is a fun and tasty twist on your regular pizza! With a thick, crunchy crust and soft inside, it really satisfies your pizza cravings.
I love how the sourdough adds a special flavor that’s a bit tangy and unique. Plus, you get to top it with all your favorites—what could be better than that? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Make sure your starter is active and bubbly; this helps the dough rise well. If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can use instant yeast (1 packet), but the flavor will differ.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but you could use bread flour for a chewier crust. If gluten is a concern, try a gluten-free flour blend—just check that it’s designed for baking.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is ideal for its creamy texture, but feel free to substitute with low-moisture mozzarella or even a mix of cheeses like provolone and fontina for a twist.
Tomato Sauce: Simple tomato sauce is key. If you don’t have any, crushed tomatoes seasoned with a pinch of salt and garlic powder works too. You could also use store-bought pizza sauce.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Dough Texture?
The dough’s texture is crucial for a great crust. Here’s how to handle it properly:
- Combine the starter and water well, stirring until dissolved. This step ensures even hydration.
- Add flour and salt slowly to form a shaggy mix. Use your hands or a spoon—it’s okay if it looks rough.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes. If hand-kneading, use a little extra flour to prevent sticking, but avoid over-flouring your dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled—this can take time, but it’s worth it for flavor.
Patience is key! A longer rise leads to a more flavorful crust.
How to Make Crusty Sourdough Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sourdough Pizza Dough:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 80°F/27°C)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cornmeal or semolina for dusting the peel or baking surface
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably simple with salt and a hint of garlic)
- 6-8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn or sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (about 8-10 leaves)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sourdough pizza recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 4-6 hours for the first rise, and about 15 minutes for baking. In total, you should plan for the dough to rise while you relax or do other things. The longer it rises, the better the flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your active sourdough starter with warm water. Stir well until the starter is dissolved. Next, add the flour and salt. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough starts to form. Then, add the olive oil and knead the dough either by hand on a floured surface or in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it nearly doubles in size. Remember, the longer it ferments, the tastier the pizza will be!
3. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, dust your work surface with some flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently shape it into a round pizza shape, about 10-12 inches in diameter. Be careful not to deflate it too much! Transfer the shaped dough onto a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal or semolina to prevent sticking.
4. Preheat the Oven:
Place a pizza stone or a heavy baking tray in your oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C), or as high as your oven can go. Preheat for at least 45 minutes to ensure it’s very hot before baking the pizza.
5. Add Toppings:
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, making sure to leave a bit of a border around the edges. Next, distribute the torn or sliced mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Scatter the fresh basil leaves on top, then drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a small pinch of salt.
6. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone or baking tray. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crusty with some charred spots, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven. If you’d like, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top or add more fresh basil leaves for flavor. Slice your delicious pizza and serve it hot. Enjoy the crisp, crackly crust and tasty toppings!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead of Making My Own?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough. Just follow the instructions for shaping, rising, and baking as outlined in the recipe.
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best texture!
Can I Add Different Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Add your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses. Just be mindful not to overload it, as it can affect the cooking time and crust texture!
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive starter. Make sure your sourdough starter is well-fed and bubbly before use. If necessary, try letting it rise in a warm place or extend the fermentation time for more flavor.
