This crusty sourdough pizza has a wonderful, chewy crust that’s perfect for holding all your favorite toppings! It’s tangy and satisfying, making pizza night a fun treat.
You can’t go wrong with pizza, right? I love that the crust gets nice and crisp in the oven. Just add your go-to toppings, and you’re set for a cozy night in with delicious pizza.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Using an active, bubbly starter is key for a great rise and flavor. If you don’t have one, you can try using a store-bought pizza dough or even a quick bread recipe as a quick fix, but it won’t be as tangy.
All-Purpose Flour: This is perfect for getting a nice structure. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you could use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture will differ. I find that a little whole wheat flour adds extra flavor too!
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce for convenience, or simply crushed tomatoes with herbs if you like a fresher taste. Homemade sauce can pack a flavorful punch too!
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its meltiness. Mix in a bit of provolone or fontina for added creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, there are great vegan cheese alternatives that can melt nicely.
Pepperoni: Classic choice, but you can swap in any favorite toppings like veggies, sausage, or a mix of cheeses. Turkey pepperoni or veggie versions work great too!
How Do You Get a Crusty Pizza Crust?
Achieving a crusty pizza crust is all about proper preparation and baking. Here are some tips:
- Ensure your dough has good elasticity by kneading it well; this helps trap gas for a great rise.
- During the first rise, keep the dough covered in a warm area. This helps develop flavor and texture.
- Preheat your oven and, if using, your pizza stone for at least 30 minutes. This gives that initial heat to help the crust puff up.
- Baking on a stone or a hot baking sheet can give you a crispy base. If you don’t have either, a regular sheet will work too, just get it nice and hot first!
- Watch the pizza closely while it bakes. Every oven is different, so adjust baking time as needed to achieve a golden crust.
How to Make Crusty Sourdough Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 100-110°F)
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves, a small handful
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 5-6 hours. This includes about 30 minutes for preparing the dough and toppings, and 4-6 hours allowing the dough to rise. The baking time is just 12-15 minutes, so you’ll have a delightful pizza ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water, mixing them together until well combined. Add in the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. It’s okay if it looks a bit rough at this point!
2. Knead and First Rise:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the flavor develops!
3. Shape the Pizza Crust:
Once the dough has risen, gently turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Stretch or roll the dough into a roughly 12-inch round. Make sure to create a slightly thicker edge around the perimeter for the crust.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. Dust a pizza peel or a baking sheet with cornmeal or flour, and carefully transfer the stretched dough onto it. This will help prevent sticking!
5. Add Toppings:
Lightly brush the dough with olive oil for extra flavor. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving the edges free for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and then place the pepperoni slices on top. If you like, tuck a few fresh basil leaves into the cheese for added flavor!
6. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto your hot pizza stone or place the baking sheet directly in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp, the cheese is melted, and the pepperoni edges are looking slightly crisp.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes. Slice and serve hot, enjoying the delicious combination of flavors!
This crusty sourdough pizza recipe combines the tangy flavor and chewy texture of sourdough with a golden-brown, crisp crust, perfectly topped with classic pepperoni and cheese. It’s an irresistible treat that makes pizza night special!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour gives the best texture, you can mix in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or even use a gluten-free blend if needed. Just note that the texture might be different.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegan?
Yes! To make this pizza vegan, replace the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative and skip the pepperoni or use vegan sausage or vegetables as toppings. Just make sure your pizza sauce is also free from animal products!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crispy when reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Prepare the Dough the Night Before?
Yes! You can make the dough in advance. After kneading, place it in the fridge to rise slowly overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This will enhance the flavor!
