why make this recipe
Making sourdough pizza dough is a delightful way to create a perfect homemade pizza. The unique flavor from the sourdough starter adds depth and character to your pizza crust, making it much more vibrant than regular dough. Plus, this process allows you to use simple ingredients while enjoying the benefits of fermentation. The result is a crispy, chewy crust that everyone will love. It’s not just a meal; it’s a fun, creative way to spend your time in the kitchen!
how to make Sourdough Pizza Dough
Ingredients:
- 350 grams water (90-95°F)
- 100 grams active sourdough starter
- 15 grams fine sea salt
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
Directions:
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Make The Dough (25 minutes): In a large bowl, mix the water and active sourdough starter together. Then gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until fully combined. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
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Stretch and Fold (1 hour): Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then, stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes for a total of one hour. This technique helps build gluten structure.
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Bulk Fermentation (15-20 hours): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough ferment at room temperature. The long fermentation creates flavor and texture.
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Shape the Dough (15 minutes): After the bulk fermentation, gently turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a ball, tucking the edges under to create tension on the surface.
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Second Fermentation (6-72 hours): Place the dough in a floured proofing basket or bowl. Cover it and let it rest again in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or up to 72 hours for more complex flavors.
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Bring Dough To Room Temperature (2 hours): Before baking, take the dough out of the fridge and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it comes to room temperature.
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Pizza Preparation and Assembly (10 minutes): Preheat your oven (and pizza stone, if using). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and shape it into your desired pizza size. Add your favorite toppings.
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Standard Oven Cooking Instructions (5 minutes): Bake the pizza at a high temperature (around 475°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
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Pizza Oven Cooking Instructions (1-2 minutes): If using a pizza oven, cook your pizza for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
how to serve Sourdough Pizza Dough
Once your pizza is baked to perfection, slice it up and serve it hot! Pair it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply a cozy night in.
how to store Sourdough Pizza Dough
If you have leftover dough, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just wrap it well in plastic or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, simply bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing the shaped dough for up to a month.
tips to make Sourdough Pizza Dough
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active before you begin. This ensures good fermentation.
- Use a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients for precision.
- Don’t rush the fermentation process; longer fermentation will improve the flavor.
- Experiment with adding herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
variation (if any)
You can experiment by incorporating different flours like whole wheat or adding ingredients like garlic powder, herbs, or cheese to enhance the flavor of your dough. Feel free to customize your pizza with a variety of toppings based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular yeast instead of sourdough starter?
Yes, you can substitute sourdough starter with equivalent amounts of active dry yeast. However, the flavor will differ, as sourdough provides a unique taste.
2. How can I tell if my dough has fermented enough?
The dough should have risen significantly and feel puffy. If you gently poke it with a finger and the indentation remains, it’s ready.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough several days ahead and keep it in the fridge to develop even more flavor. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Sourdough Pizza Dough
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the water and active sourdough starter together.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until fully combined.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes for a total of one hour.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough ferment at room temperature for 15-20 hours.
- After the bulk fermentation, gently turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
- Shape it into a ball, tucking the edges under to create tension on the surface.
- Place the dough in a floured proofing basket or bowl.
- Cover it and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or up to 72 hours.
- Before baking, take the dough out of the fridge and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it comes to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven (and pizza stone, if using).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and shape it into your desired pizza size.
- Add your favorite toppings.
- Bake the pizza at around 475°F for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- If using a pizza oven, cook your pizza for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.