A sourdough starter pizza crust adds a delightful tangy flavor and chewy texture to your pizza. It’s a great way to use up excess starter and make a delicious homemade pizza.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1/2 cup warm water (more as needed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra browning)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it several hours before making the dough if necessary.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the sourdough starter, olive oil, honey (if using), and warm water to the flour mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water (a tablespoon at a time). If too sticky, add a little more flour.
- First rise (bulk fermentation): Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 3-4 hours, or until doubled in size. You can also refrigerate the dough overnight for a slow ferment, which enhances the flavor.
Shape the Dough:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Shape the crust: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough in half if making two pizzas, or leave it whole for a large one. Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference.
- Transfer to baking sheet: Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper (for easy transfer to a pizza stone) or directly onto a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Add toppings: Spread your desired pizza sauce over the crust, then add your favorite toppings such as mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, or any other toppings you like.
- Bake: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or keep it on the baking sheet) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- For a thinner crust, stretch the dough out more before adding toppings.
- If you like a thicker crust, allow the dough to rest and rise for 15-20 minutes after shaping before adding toppings.
- For a crispier crust, brush the edges with a little olive oil before baking.