There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming kitchen leftovers into a culinary masterpiece. When I began my journey with sourdough, I was often left with an unfed starter that I simply didn’t know how to utilize. One evening, as I craved pizza, inspiration struck: why not use that sourdough discard to create a crust bursting with flavor? The moment the dough hit the counter, my kitchen filled with the delightful scent of fermentation and warm, toasty bread.
This Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust is a delightful solution for anyone looking to ditch the mundane fast-food route while savoring the rich, chewy goodness of homemade pizza. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a crust that not only holds its own against any pizzeria but also carries an irresistible tang from your sourdough starter. Whether you prefer classic toppings or adventurous combinations, this recipe is your invitation to elevate pizza night into something memorable—all while making use of what might otherwise go to waste. Join me in exploring this easy and delicious way to bring a little magic back to your kitchen!
Why Choose Sourdough Pizza Dough for Dinner?
Flavor Explosion: This recipe harnesses the unique tang of your sourdough starter, elevating your pizza to gourmet status.
Effortless Elegance: Minimal steps and ingredients make this crust a breeze to whip up any night of the week.
Versatile Delight: Customize your toppings and sauces to match any mood, from classic margherita to bold BBQ chicken.
Waste Not, Want Not: Transform those unfed starters into a delicious dish rather than throwing them away.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Everyone loves pizza! This chewy crust will impress friends and family alike at your next gathering.
Get started with our full sourdough pizza dough recipe and take your home-cooking to new heights!
Sourdough Pizza Dough Ingredients
For the Dough
- Sourdough Starter – Use unfed or discard starter to add a delightful flavor and leavening to your crust.
- Water – Lukewarm (141g to 170g) hydrates the dough; adjust based on your flour’s needs for perfect consistency.
- All-Purpose Flour – (300g) provides structure; King Arthur Unbleached is recommended for the best results.
- Salt – (1 tsp) enhances flavor and strengthens the dough’s gluten structure.
- Yeast (instant or active dry) – (1/2 tsp) boosts rise time and adds fluffiness to the crust.
- Pizza Dough Flavor (optional) – (4 tsp) enhances aroma and enhances the taste of the finished pizza.
Transform that unfed starter into a mouthwatering sourdough pizza dough crust and impress everyone with your homemade creation!
How to Make Sourdough Pizza Dough
Prepare Starter: Stir any liquid in your unfed sourdough starter and measure 1 cup into a mixing bowl. This will be the flavorful base for your dough!
Make Dough: Combine the starter, all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of yeast in the mixing bowl. Slowly add lukewarm water, adjusting the amount for the desired dough consistency.
Knead: Mix the ingredients until they come together, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth texture that pulls away from the bowl’s sides beautifully!
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased container, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise until it’s almost doubled in size—this should take 2 to 4 hours, especially if kept in a warm spot.
Shape for Pizza: Once risen, divide the dough for two thin pizzas and press it into oiled pans, allowing a rest period of about 15 minutes so it relaxes before baking.
Second Rise: Allow the shaped dough to rise again until you achieve your desired thickness—this is where your crust’s texture begins to shine!
Preheat Oven: Towards the end of the second rise, preheat your oven to 450°F, ensuring it’s nice and hot for that perfect bake.
Bake: Add your favorite toppings (but hold the cheese for now!) and bake for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the crust is golden brown. Then, add cheese and return to the oven until melted.
Serve & Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven; slice, serve hot, and enjoy the chewy, deliciousness of your homemade sourdough pizza dough!
Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Sourdough Pizza Dough Variations
Embrace the joy of personalizing your homemade pizza crust with these fun twists and tasty swaps!
Whole Wheat: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture.
This change not only adds extra nutrients but also imparts a delightful earthiness to the crust that you’ll love.Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs, ensuring it’s one suited for baking.
Your friends will never guess they’re savoring a gluten-free option—just make sure to adjust the liquid for consistency!Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs like oregano, basil, or garlic powder into the dough for a fragrant twist.
The added fragrance will envelop your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere before the pizza even hits the oven.Cheesy Crust: Incorporate grated Parmesan or mozzarella into the dough for an extra cheesy kick.
This delightful surprise enhances flavor and creates a deliciously gooey bite that elevates your pizza to new heights!Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into your dough for a spicy flair.
Ignite your taste buds with a zesty finish that pairs perfectly with rich cheeses and savory toppings.Sweet and Savory: Incorporate honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness that complements savory toppings.
The sugars will caramelize beautifully during baking, giving you a crust with complex flavor dynamics.Veggie-Loaded: Blend finely chopped spinach or herbs right into the dough for a nutritious boost.
This sneaky addition not only diversifies the flavor but also gives a lovely green hue that’s bound to impress.Smoky Flavor: Mix in smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky, barbecue-inspired flavor.
This dynamic touch will transport your pizza to the next level, making every bite a smoky delight!
What to Serve with Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust?
Elevate your homemade pizza experience with delightful sides and pairings that will have your taste buds singing.
- Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens with a zesty vinaigrette add a crisp contrast, balancing the rich flavors of your pizza.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce while complementing the chewy texture of your crust.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies enhance the meal with earthy flavors, adding a wholesome touch to your pizza night.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, and olives invites everyone to graze, making pizza a delicious centerpiece for sharing.
- Italian Pasta Salad: Vibrant pasta mingled with fresh herbs and veggies brightens the table, offering a refreshing bite alongside your cheesy delight.
- Craft Beer or Wine: A chilled craft beer or a glass of red wine can beautifully elevate your meal, enhancing the overall flavor enjoyment.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Treat yourself with warm cookies for dessert—sweet endings to a savory main dish add a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Herbed Yogurt Dip: A cool, tangy dip with herbs makes a refreshing partner to your pizza, enhancing every bite with bright flavors.
- No-Bake Tiramisu: This decadent dessert pairs wonderfully with the pizza’s sour notes, offering a creamy sweetness to finish the meal.
How to Store and Freeze Sourdough Pizza Dough
Fridge: Store leftover sourdough pizza dough wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This allows you to enjoy fresh pizza even on busy nights!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dough after the first rise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before use.
Reheating: If you’ve baked ahead, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring the crust stays crispy while the cheese melts back to golden perfection.
Preparation Reminder: Remember to bring the dough to room temperature before stretching it out for the best results!
Make Ahead Options
These Sourdough Discard Pizza Crusts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe through the first rise, then shape the dough into your desired pizza forms. Wrap each shaped crust tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate; this helps maintain the quality and chewy texture. On pizza night, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding toppings. Just remember to preheat your oven, and you’ll have delicious, homemade sourdough pizza dough ready with minimal effort and time. Enjoy the taste of fresh, artisanal pizza in a snap!
Expert Tips for Sourdough Pizza Dough
- Starter Quality Matters: Using a less-used starter will yield a tangier, more flavorful sourdough pizza dough. Make sure yours is active!
- Rest for Stretch: If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shaping. This relaxes the gluten for easier handling.
- Cheese Timing: Avoid adding cheese too early! Bake your pizza crust first to maintain a crispy texture before adding cheese for the final melt.
- Bake Longer for Flavors: Consider baking the pizza a bit longer without cheese to intensify the flavors of your toppings, enriching the overall experience.
- Hydration Levels: Adjust water amounts based on your flour’s needs. A wetter dough can lead to a chewier crust, while drier dough results in a firmer texture.
Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best sourdough starter for the pizza crust?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using a well-fed sourdough starter that’s been used recently; it should be bubbly and active. However, unfed starter works great too! Just stir it to incorporate any liquid and ensure it’s at the right consistency.
What’s the best way to store leftover sourdough pizza dough?
You can store leftover sourdough pizza dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for a quick pizza night!
Can I freeze the sourdough pizza dough?
Very! After the first rise, you can freeze sourdough pizza dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and let it come to room temperature before shaping.
What should I do if my pizza dough is too sticky or won’t stretch?
If your dough feels overly sticky, consider adding a little extra flour during kneading. If it resists stretching, don’t stress! Simply let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape.
Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten allergies?
Unfortunately, this sourdough pizza dough recipe is not gluten-free. However, if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that are suitable for pizza dough. Just be sure to adjust the liquid amounts as gluten-free flours often require more moisture.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients to your sourdough pizza dough. Just keep in mind that it might require slightly more water for hydration, so monitor the dough consistency as you mix.
These FAQs aim to tackle the most common inquiries while giving you the confidence to make this delicious sourdough pizza dough work for you!
Chewy Sourdough Pizza Dough: Elevate Your Homemade Pizza Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Stir any liquid in your unfed sourdough starter and measure 1 cup into a mixing bowl.
- Combine the starter, all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of yeast in the mixing bowl. Slowly add lukewarm water, adjusting for desired consistency.
- Mix until ingredients come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 7 minutes.
- Place kneaded dough in a greased container, cover, and let rise until almost doubled in size (2 to 4 hours).
- Divide the risen dough for two thin pizzas and press into oiled pans, allowing a rest period of about 15 minutes.
- Allow shaped dough to rise again until you achieve desired thickness.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F towards the end of the second rise.
- Add favorite toppings (hold the cheese for now) and bake for 5-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, slice, serve hot, and enjoy the chewy deliciousness.