Crusty sourdough pizza is all about that satisfying crunch! The yeasty crust pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings, making every bite a treat. 🍕
I love how the tangy sourdough flavor adds a fun twist. Plus, it’s easy to make—just mix, rise, shape, and bake. Perfect for pizza night with friends or family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: This is the star of the show! Make sure your starter is active and bubbly for the best rise. If you don’t have a starter, you can create one or use store-bought pizza dough as a last resort.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but if you’re looking for a chewier crust, try bread flour instead. You can even mix in whole wheat flour for more texture and flavor!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness. If you’re out of it, vegetable or canola oil are decent substitutes, but stick with olive oil for that classic taste.
Pizza Sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, pick a sauce that you love. You can substitute marinara sauce if you’re in a pinch. A simple blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs also works beautifully.
Fresh Mozzarella: It melts beautifully, giving that gooey texture. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, pre-shredded cheese will still work, but it might not be as creamy.
How Do I Get the Perfect Dough Texture?
Kneading is crucial for that perfect pizza dough. Whether using your hands or a stand mixer, aim for a smooth, elastic texture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a shaggy dough mix, then turn it onto a floured surface.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes with a mixer until smooth.
- Smooth dough should spring back lightly when poked without sticking to your hands.
Letting the dough rise until it’s bubbly is key too. If it feels sluggish, it might need more time or a bit warmer area (like near an oven). Your patience pays off here for the best crust!
How to Make Crusty Sourdough Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, torn or sliced
- 10-12 slices pepperoni (optional)
For the Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting the pizza peel or baking surface
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for making this delicious pizza is about 5-6 hours, including 4-6 hours for the dough to rise. The actual preparation time is about 30 minutes, plus 10-12 minutes for baking. Enjoy the wait—it’s worth it for that crunchy, flavorful crust!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar. Stir everything together until well mixed. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at this stage!
2. Knead the Dough:
Transfer your shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead for about 5-6 minutes. Trust your hands—they’ll know when it’s ready!
3. Allow the Dough to Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size and looks bubbly. This step is key for that perfect crust!
4. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a round ball and let it rest, covered with a towel, for about 15-20 minutes. This resting time will make stretching the dough easier.
5. Preheat the Oven:
Place a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 500°F (260°C). This step is crucial—allow at least 30 minutes for the baking surface to get really hot, so your crust gets that perfect crunch.
6. Form the Pizza Base:
On a piece of parchment paper dusted with flour or cornmeal, flatten the dough ball with your hands. Gently stretch it out into a 10-12 inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. Take your time; it doesn’t have to be perfect!
7. Add the Toppings:
Brush the crust lightly with olive oil to give it a nice golden color. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, avoiding the edges for a cleaner look. Next, distribute the torn mozzarella pieces all over, and if you like, add your favorite pepperoni slices on top.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet, carefully transfer the pizza (with its parchment paper) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the crust to be golden, the cheese melted and bubbly, and the edges blistered just right!
9. Finish and Serve:
Once your pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly sliced basil and, if you’d like, some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice it up and dig in while it’s hot!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful crusty sourdough pizza with family or friends!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour for added nutrition and flavor. Start with a 50/50 mix to see how you like the texture and adjust from there. Just keep in mind the dough may need a little more water due to the higher absorption of whole wheat flour.
What if My Sourdough Starter Isn’t Bubbly?
If your starter isn’t active and bubbly, it won’t rise your dough well. Make sure to feed it at least 4-6 hours before using it, or overnight for best results. If you don’t have one ready, you might consider using commercial yeast (about 2 teaspoons) instead—just adjust the water accordingly.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before stretching it out for pizza. This also develops extra flavor in the crust!
How Do I Keep Leftover Pizza Fresh?
To keep leftover pizza fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that crispy crust!
