Sourdough Pizza Dough
Introduction
Making your own pizza dough at home is a fun and rewarding experience! This sourdough pizza dough is not only easy to prepare but also gives a delicious, crispy crust that your family will love. Let’s dive into the process of creating your own perfect pizza base!
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this sourdough pizza dough! First, it’s healthier than store-bought options, as you control all the ingredients. Second, the flavor is out of this world! The fermentation from the sourdough starter adds a unique taste, and your homemade pizzas will impress everyone at the table. Plus, this recipe is great for family nights or weekends, giving you a fun way to spend time cooking together.
How to Make Sourdough Pizza Dough
Ingredients:
- 225 grams 90°F-95°F filtered water (32°C-35°C)
- 15 grams kosher salt
- 250 grams ripe sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 250 grams type "00" flour
- 125 grams bread flour (such as King Arthur)
- Flour (for shaping and dusting)
- Semolina flour (for dusting)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 batch homemade pizza sauce (see linked recipe)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (not packed in water, blotted dry and torn into pieces)
- Fresh basil leaves (plus more for finishing)
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the Oven: Set a baking steel on a rack in the upper third of the oven, about 6 to 7 inches below the broiler. Preheat the oven and steel to 500°F (260°C) for at least one hour. Get your pizza sauce and toppings ready for easy assembly.
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Prepare the Peel: Lightly dust a wooden pizza peel with regular flour and sprinkle some semolina flour over it. This helps keep your dough from sticking. Set aside.
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Turn on the Broiler: Just before you start shaping the pizza, turn the oven broiler to high for 10 minutes. This adds some extra heat to the baking steel. Generously flour your countertop and lift one pizza dough round from the proofing container, placing it onto the floured surface. Dust the top with flour.
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Shape the Dough: Using both hands, press the dough with your fingers, starting from the center and moving outward. Rotate the dough as you go to keep the edges nice. Once it’s about 6 to 7 inches across, lift it with your knuckles underneath. Gently stretch it into a thin, roughly 10-inch circle, letting gravity help.
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Add Toppings: Transfer the shaped dough onto the dusted pizza peel. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and brush it over the surface. Spoon about ⅓ to ½ cup of pizza sauce into the center and spread it out, leaving a ¾-inch border. Top with torn mozzarella pieces and basil leaves.
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Bake It: Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot baking steel. Turn off the broiler and set the oven to 500°F (260°C). Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, rotating it a couple of times. You want a crispy bottom and bubbly cheese! Finish under the broiler for a few seconds if needed to brown the edges.
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Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, place it on a cutting board, and drizzle with more olive oil, sprinkle with fresh basil, and add Parmigiano-Reggiano if you like. Cut into quarters and enjoy!
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Repeat: Reset your oven temperature and repeat with the remaining dough, making one delicious pizza after another.
How to Serve Sourdough Pizza Dough
Serve your pizza hot right out of the oven with a simple salad on the side for a complete meal. Everyone can customize their toppings!
How to Store Sourdough Pizza Dough
If you have leftover dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. You can also freeze it; just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
Tips to Make Sourdough Pizza Dough
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active for the best rise and flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of flour for unique tastes and textures.
- Keep your workspace clean and floured to avoid sticking!
Variation
Try adding herbs to the dough for extra flavor! A little dried oregano or garlic powder can really enhance the taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of type "00" flour?
A: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly different. Type "00" gives a more authentic pizza crust.
Q: How long does the dough need to rise?
A: It usually takes several hours at room temperature. If you can, let it rise overnight in the refrigerator for even better flavor!
Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Enjoy making your own sourdough pizza dough, and watch your family and friends fall in love with your homemade pizzas!
