October is National Pizza Month, a month-long celebration of one of the world’s most beloved foods, certainly one of mine.During the month, pizza enthusiasts will savor their favorite cheesy, saucy, and crusty creations, but for me, it’s all about the crust. And when it comes to sourdough pizza crust recipes, Martha Levie’s (Abigial’s Oven head baker) is among the best!

“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.

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:

Instructions:

  1. Combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and flour in a large bowl or stand mixer. Mix until the dough is well-developed and somewhat elastic but still shaggy.
  2. Allow the dough to rest 30 minutes, add the salt and olive oil, and gently turn (stretch and fold) it for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough bulk ferment, stretching and folding it three times every half hour during the first 90 minutes of fermentation.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, for 8–12 or refrigerate overnight.
  5. When ready, divide the dough into two equal-sized pieces.
  6. Shape each piece into a tight, smooth ball, ensuring no seams are left on the bottom.
  7. Place the balls on a baking sheet and cover loosely for a final proofing of 5–6 hours.
  8. Preheat your oven to 500°F (232°C).
  9. Oil the top of the dough, then stretch and work the dough into a circle using your fingers. If the dough resists shaping, do not roll it; just let it rest for 15 more minutes, allowing the gluten to relax. After that, push it into a round with your fingers to the size and thickness you desire.
  10. Top with your favorite pizza ingredients.
  11. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

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

Tips for Sourdough Pizza Success

  • Active Starter: Give your sourdough starter a couple of regular feedings to ensure it is healthy and active before using it for pizza dough.
  • Temperature Control: A cooler environment is essential for proper dough bulk fermentation, but a warmer environment is preferred for the final proofing.
  • 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, black olives, roasted vegetables, and other favorites (Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Extra Italian Blend Cheeses, Bacon, Chicken, Onion, Red/Green Bell Pepper, Ham, or Canadian Bacon).

Conclusion

Happily for me, while visiting family in Park City, Utah, this week, we each made individual pizzas; it was a family affair, loved by all! Our son baked each pizza in his outdoor pizza oven—seven in all. We enjoyed each other’s company while making, baking, and devouring them; it was a great way to celebrate National Pizza Month.

Sourdough Pizza offers a unique and flavorful experience 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?