How to Make the Perfect Sourdough Pizza Crust
There’s nothing quite like a homemade sourdough pizza crust. With its irresistible chewiness and depth of flavor, it surpasses any store-bought or conventional yeast dough. The best part? No dry yeast needed! This recipe relies entirely on a live yeast sourdough starter to give the dough its rise and signature tang.
Why Sourdough?
Sourdough pizza crust has a texture like no other. The natural fermentation process enhances the flavor and creates a crust that’s crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. Plus, the longer fermentation helps break down gluten, making it easier to digest compared to traditional pizza dough.
Ingredients:
100g sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
335g water
10g salt
500g flour (bread flour works best for a chewy crust)
Instructions:
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and water, stirring until the starter dissolves. Add the flour and salt, and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes.Stretch and Fold
Instead of kneading, use the stretch-and-fold method. Every hour for the next three hours, stretch one side of the dough up and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl and repeat on all sides. This strengthens the gluten structure and helps create that perfect chewy texture.Bulk Fermentation
After the final stretch and fold, cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 4-6 hours until it puffs up.Cold Fermentation
Transfer the dough to the fridge and let it ferment for at least 3 days. This slow fermentation enhances the flavor and improves the texture.Shape and Bake
When ready to make pizza, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. Divide into portions, shape into a pizza base, and top with your favorite ingredients.Bake at High Heat
Preheat your oven to the highest setting (250°C/480°F or higher). Bake on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Foolproof and Delicious
This sourdough pizza dough is a game-changer. It never fails and results in a beautifully airy, flavorful crust every time. Give it a try, and you’ll never go back to store-bought pizza dough again!
