Step-by-Step Homemade Sourdough Pizza Crust Recipe

This step-by-step homemade sourdough pizza crust recipe carries with it a unique tangy flavor that melds delightfully with it’s chewy interior and crispy exterior, followed by its light, and airy texture. The long fermentation process enhances the taste, improves digestibility, and results in a naturally preserved dough that lasts longer. Plus, the natural leavening from the sourdough starter adds a depth of flavor that will compliment your favorite toppings!

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What are the Best Pizza Toppings

Of course the best pizza toppings often come down to personal preference, but here are some popular and delicious options:

Classic Combinations:

1. Margherita – Fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Pepperoni – Classic pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese.
3. Mushroom and Sausage – Sauteed mushrooms, Italian sausage, and mozzarella.
4. Veggie – Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, spinach, and mozzarella.
5. Hawaiian – Ham, pineapple, and mozzarella.

Gourmet Toppings:

1. Prosciutto and Arugula – Thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh arugula, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
2. Fig and Goat Cheese – Figs, goat cheese, prosciutto, and a balsamic drizzle.
3. Truffle Oil and Mushrooms – Mushrooms, mozzarella, and a drizzle of truffle oil for extra richness.
4. Buffalo Chicken – Grilled chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and mozzarella.

Unique Additions:

1. Smoked Salmon – Smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onions for a bagel-inspired pizza.
2. BBQ Chicken – Grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, red onions, and cilantro.
3. BBQ Pulled Pork – Pulled pork, red onions, and mozzarella with a tangy BBQ sauce.

These toppings offer a mix of traditional and creative options, allowing you to craft the perfect pizza for family pizza nights!

What’s the secret to a good pizza crust?

The secret to a good pizza crust is using high-protein flour, ensuring the right hydration (60-70% water to flour), allowing for long fermentation to develop flavor, adding salt and olive oil for taste and texture, baking at high heat for a crispy finish, and hand-stretching the dough to preserve air bubbles for a light, chewy texture.

Equipment Needed for This Sourdough Pizza Recipe 

Pizza peel

Home oven, or outdoor pizza oven

Cast iron skillet, pizza stone, or baking sheet

Large bowl

Piece of parchment paper

Bench Scraper

Tea towel or plastic wrap

Best Sourdough Pizza Crust Ingredients

• 1/2 cup active sourdough starter (100g)
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (500g) (or a mix of white flour and bread flour)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons salt (14g)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (13.5g)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (300g)

Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter and warm water. Stir to combine and dissolve the starter.

• Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix together until a dough begins to form.

• Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook or a paddle attachment, until smooth and elastic.

2. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):

• Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours. The dough should double in size. If you have more time, you can let it rise in the fridge overnight for a slower, more complex fermentation (12-18 hours). I always do that latter method and it is ready the next day, just in time to throw together for lunch.

3. Shape the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal portions for individual pizzas, or leave it whole for a larger pizza. 

• Shape each piece into a ball and let them rest for 15-20 minutes (this makes it easier to stretch).

4. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside, so it’s hot when you place your dough in.

5. Stretch and Top the Dough:

• After the ball of dough has rested, take each ball and gently stretch it with your hands (or use a rolling pin) to form a thin round shape, about 10-12 inches in diameter.
• Add your homemade pizza sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and favorite pizza toppings.

6. Bake the Pizza:

• Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven, add a drizzle of olive oil if you choose. Slice, and enjoy!
• Store in an airtight container.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Crust

• The flavor of the dough will deepen the longer it ferments. For best results, a slow rise (overnight in the fridge) is ideal.
• You can adjust the hydration (amount of water) based on your flour and desired dough consistency. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
• For extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.

Enjoy your homemade sourdough pizza!

More Delicious Sourdough Recipes

The Best Sourdough Pretzels (Easy Overnight Recipe)

Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Hamburger Buns Easy Recipe

Super Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe

Buttery and Flaky Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits 

The Best Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Overnight Recipe