October is National Pizza Month, a month-long celebration of one of the world’s most beloved foods. This month-long celebration offers pizza enthusiasts the chance to savor their favorite cheesy, saucy, and crusty creations.

“The crust of a sourdough pizza is a thing of beauty. It’s got a chewy, almost bready texture, with a tangy, slightly sour flavor that complements the richness of the toppings perfectly.”

Pete Scherer, the spruce eats

While traditional pizza dough is satisfying, sourdough adds a unique dimension to every crust with its tangy flavor and chewy texture. Experiment with sourdough pizza to elevate your pizza experience.

The Benefits of Sourdough Pizza

  • Flavor: Sourdough’s unique REAL™ flavor profile adds depth and complexity to your pizza. The tanginess of the sourdough complements the richness of the cheese and sauce.
  • Texture: Sourdough pizza has a chewy and slightly crispy crust, providing a satisfying texture distinct from traditional pizza.
  • Digestibility: Sourdough is often easier to digest than traditional pizza dough due to the pre-fermentation process, which breaks down complex carbohydrates.
  • Health: Sourdough pizza has a lower glycemic index (GI) than traditional pizza, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. 
  • Simple Ingredients: Sourdough pizza crust is made with a sourdough starter containing wild yeasts and bacteria that create flavor and make the dough rise. REAL™ sourdough only needs flour, water, and salt

Making Sourdough Pizza Dough

While making sourdough pizza dough may seem intimidating, it’s quite simple. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup [240g] sourdough starter
  • 1 cup [120g] warm water
  • 2 1/2 cups [283g] all-purpose or 00 reinforced flour
  • 1 teaspoon [6g] salt
  • 1 tablespoon [14g] olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and flour in a large bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
  3. Add the salt and olive oil to the dough, and gently turn (stretch and fold) it for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for another 1-2 hours until nearly doubled OR refrigerate overnight.
  5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  6. Stretch the dough to your desired thickness and top with your favorite pizza ingredients.
  7. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Tips for Sourdough Pizza Success

  • Starter Strength: Ensure your sourdough starter is healthy and active before using it for pizza dough.
  • Temperature Control: A warm environment is essential for proper dough fermentation.
  • Hydration: Your dough’s hydration level will affect your pizza’s texture. Experiment to find your preferred consistency.
  • Topping Selection: The toppings you choose can complement or clash with the tangy flavor of sourdough. Consider toppings like mushrooms, olives, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion: Sourdough Pizza offers a unique and flavorful experience that is perfect for National Pizza Month. By understanding the benefits of sourdough and following a few simple steps, you can create delicious and satisfying pizzas that will impress your friends and family. So, why not try it and discover the magic of sourdough pizza?