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Sourdough Bread Pizza

Sourdough Bread Pizza

Sourdough bread pizza is a delicious variation of traditional pizza that is made using sourdough bread dough as the base instead of pizza dough. This pizza is a great way to use up leftover sourdough bread starter and is a perfect option for those who are looking for a healthier and more nutritious pizza option. Here are some tips and tricks to make the perfect sourdough bread pizza.

My family enjoys sourdough bread pizza because it changes up the traditional pizza flavor. As a family of eight we have eaten a lot of pizza through the years. Plus, a close friend of ours runs a wood fired pizza truck as his side job so we get lots of free samples. When comparing regular pizza dough to sourdough pizza, the sourdough pizza is a stronger more flavorful taste. It may too strong for kids who have a tendency to be a picky eater. The stronger taste goes great with certain toppings though such as olives and salami.

Making the Sourdough Bread Dough

The first step to making sourdough bread pizza is to make the sourdough bread dough. To do this, you will need to have an active sourdough starter. If you don’t have one, you can make your own by mixing equal parts of flour and water and leaving it to ferment for a few days. Once you have an active sourdough starter, follow these steps to make the sourdough bread dough:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup active sourdough starter
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, water, and sourdough starter. Mix well until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Add the salt and mix until well combined.
  3. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 6-8 hours or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a ball and let it rest for another 2 hours.

Preparing the Pizza Toppings

While the sourdough bread dough is resting, you can start preparing the pizza toppings. The toppings you choose are entirely up to you, but here are some classic pizza toppings that work well with sourdough bread pizza:

  • Tomato sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Basil leaves
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell peppers
  • Olives
  • Pepperoni
  • Sausage

You can use any combination of toppings that you like. There are plenty of suggestions here – Best Pizza Toppings. Just make sure to prepare them in advance so that they are ready to be added to the pizza.

Assembling the Pizza

Once the dough has rested and the toppings are prepared, it’s time to assemble the pizza. Here are the steps to follow:

Ingredients:

  • 1 ball of sourdough bread dough from the recipe above
  • Tomato sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Toppings of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
  2. Place the dough on a floured surface and stretch it out to form a thin pizza base. You can use a rolling pin if you find it easier.
  3. Transfer the pizza base onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
  4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base.
  5. Add the mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  6. Add your chosen toppings on top of the cheese.
  7. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Sourdough Bread Pizza with Arugula, Tomatoes, prosciutto and parmesan cheese.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Sourdough Bread Pizza

It can be tricky to get the best sourdough bread pizza. Keep in mind you need a lot of preparation time for this recipe. Here are a few tips:

  • Use a sourdough starter that is at its peak: To ensure that your sourdough bread pizza has the right texture and flavor, make sure to use a sourdough starter that has reached its peak. This means that the starter should be bubbly and active before you use it to make the sourdough bread dough.
  • Make sure the sourdough is the right consistency. If it is too sticky or too dry it will not make a great pizza crust.
  • Let the dough rest: After you have made the sourdough bread dough, it is important to let it rest for a few hours to allow the gluten to develop and the dough to rise. This will ensure that the pizza crust is light and airy.
  • Stretch the dough thin: Sourdough bread pizza dough can be quite thick and heavy, so make sure to stretch it out thin to avoid a dense and heavy crust. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough out. Avoid getting holes in the sourdough.
  • Preheat the oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to a high temperature before baking the pizza. This will ensure that the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
  • Use a pizza stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it to bake the pizza. A pizza stone will help to distribute the heat evenly, resulting in a crispy crust.
  • Don’t overload the pizza: While it may be tempting to add lots of toppings to your pizza, make sure not to overload it. Too many toppings can make the pizza heavy and soggy.
  • Experiment with different toppings: Sourdough bread pizza is a versatile dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. You can try adding different cheeses, vegetables, meats, or even fruits to your pizza.

In conclusion, sourdough bread pizza is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the perfect sourdough bread pizza with a light and airy crust and delicious toppings. So, the next time you have some leftover sourdough bread starter, try making a sourdough bread pizza and enjoy a slice of heaven!