Sourdough Pizza Bread

Sourdough Pizza Bread: A Delicious Twist on Traditional Pizza Dough

If you’re a fan of sourdough, you’ll love the irresistible tang and texture that an active sourdough starter brings to pizza dough. Sourdough pizza bread combines the best of both worlds—the chewy, flavorful crust of traditional sourdough with the satisfaction of pizza, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite. This easy recipe uses an active sourdough starter, and the result is a crispy, slightly tangy pizza crust that holds up perfectly to your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for slightly sweeter dough)

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (optional, helps speed up the rise)

For Toppings:

• Tomato sauce

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, olive oil, salt, sugar (if using), and instant yeast (optional). Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

2. Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough starts to form. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

3. After kneading, place the 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. Alternatively, you can let it rise in the fridge overnight for a longer, more flavorful fermentation.

2. Shape the pizza bread:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions if you want two smaller pizza breads or leave it whole for one large pizza bread.

2. Roll or stretch the dough into your desired shape, whether round, rectangular, or oval. If you’re using two portions, roll each into about 1/2-inch thick rounds or rectangles.

3. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), and if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up for a few minutes.

3. Top and bake the pizza bread:

1. Transfer your shaped pizza dough onto a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Add a thin layer of tomato sauce as your base, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.

2. Bake the pizza bread in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. If you like a crispier crust, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.

3. Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy Your Homemade Sourdough Pizza Bread!

The tangy, chewy texture of sourdough gives your pizza bread a unique depth of flavor that traditional pizza dough just can’t match. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or craving a quick and flavorful meal, this sourdough pizza bread recipe is a simple yet delicious option. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, from classic pepperoni and mushrooms to creative combinations like roasted veggies or even a white pizza with ricotta. So, next time you have some extra active sourdough starter, turn it into this delicious pizza bread—you’ll be amazed at how satisfying and flavorful it is!