I love baking at home and exploring new flavors. But, I always wondered what to do with sourdough discard. Then, I found a way to make it into an amazing pizza crust.
Making Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough is a big win for pizza lovers. It gives you a crust that’s both crispy and chewy. Plus, it adds a tangy taste that makes your pizza stand out. And, you can make it fast, without waiting for it to rise or using special yeast. It’s perfect for any pizza night or family event.
Let’s dive into making this sourdough pizza. I’ll show you how to use sourdough discard and make your crust just right. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this sourdough discard pizza crust recipe. It’s going to be a hit in your home.
What is a Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough bread is getting more popular. Many people love making their own tangy, chewy loaves at home. The sourdough starter is key, made of flour, water, and yeast.
When you feed your starter, you remove some of the older starters. This is called the “sourdough discard.”
Understanding Sourdough Starter and Its Discard
A sourdough starter needs regular feeding to stay alive. When you feed it, the yeast and bacteria make it grow. But, if you don’t remove some, it will overflow.
This is why you remove some starters before adding more. This keeps the starter the right size.
Benefits of Using Sourdough Discard
Many bakers use sourdough discard in creative ways. It’s great in pancakes, waffles, pizza crusts, and cinnamon rolls. Using it reduces waste and adds special flavor and texture.
The sourdough discard helps your baked goods rise and get chewy.
Sourdough Discard UsesBenefits | |
---|---|
Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough | – Adds complex, tangy flavor to the crust – Helps create a chewy, crispy texture – Reduces food waste by using the discard |
Sourdough Discard Pancakes or Waffles | – Gives a light, fluffy texture – Enhances the overall flavor profile – Reduces the need for additional leavening agents |
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls | – Provides a unique, artisanal touch – Adds moisture and chewiness to the rolls – Utilizes the discard and reduces waste |
Using sourdough discard in recipes is good for the planet and your taste buds. Try out different recipes to find your favorites.
Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust Recipe
Ready to make the perfect homemade sourdough pizza crust? This easy recipe will help you make tasty sourdough discard pizza quickly. Let’s look at the ingredients and steps to make your delicious sourdough discard pizza crust.
Ingredients and Supplies Needed
To make the sourdough discard pizza crust, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (227g) of refrigerated sourdough starter discard
- 1 cup (240ml) of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of cornmeal
- 3 cups (375g) of bread flour
You’ll also need a stand mixer with a dough hook, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a pizza peel or baking stone for cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your sourdough discard pizza crust:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water and instant yeast. Let it be proof for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the proofed yeast mixture, sourdough discard, sugar, salt, olive oil, cornmeal, and bread flour.
- Use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 2-4 hours, depending on your sourdough starter’s vitality.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside.
- Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then divide it into 2-3 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round pizza crust, about 12 inches in diameter, using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Transfer the dough rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
- Add your desired toppings and bake the pizzas for 5 minutes. Then, add the cheese and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Enjoy your homemade sourdough discard pizza crust! The leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Customizing Your Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust
This sourdough discard pizza crust recipe is very versatile. You can change the yeast amount or fermentation time to fit your taste. Also, the toppings you pick can change the pizza’s flavor a lot.
Want to try different pizza crusts? Use less yeast for a tangier flavor. Or, let it ferment longer for a unique taste and texture.
There are endless topping choices. You can go for classics like pepperoni or try something new like pesto. Mix cheeses like feta, pepper jack, and mozzarella for a richer taste.
For a filling meal, add grilled chicken or Italian sausage. Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme to balance the flavors.
This crust is great because it can be made just how you like it. Get creative with toppings and make a pizza that’s all your own. It’s sure to wow your loved ones.
Topping Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Feta Cheese | 1 cup |
Pepper Jack Cheese | 1 cup |
Mozzarella Cheese | 2 cups |
Hamburger | 1 lb |
Pepperoni | 1 package |
Summer Sausage | 8 oz |
Canned Chicken | 2 cans |
Basil | 1 cup, chopped |
Thyme | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
Oregano | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
Rosemary | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pizza Crust
Making the perfect sourdough discard pizza crust is all about mastering key techniques. From kneading to baking, each step is crucial for that crispy, golden-brown finish.
Kneading and Rising Techniques
Proper kneading is key for a delightful pizza crust. Spend about 10 minutes kneading the dough. This develops the gluten and makes the dough soft and elastic.
For a light and airy crust, let the dough double in size. A warm environment, like a slightly warmed oven, helps the dough rise faster.
Baking Methods for Crispy Crust
- Bake your sourdough pizza at a scorching 550°F to mimic a professional pizza oven’s heat.
- Preheat your oven with a pizza stone or baking steel for a quick-cooking surface.
- Slide the pizza directly onto the hot stone or steel for maximum crispiness.
- Try different baking techniques, like using the broiler or rotating the pizza, to find what works best for you.
Mastering kneading, rising, and baking will help you make sourdough pizza crust with the perfect crunch and chew. Use these tips with the right sourdough discard ratio for the best homemade pizzas.
Conclusion
This sourdough discard pizza crust recipe is great for using up sourdough discard. It makes a delicious, crispy-yet-chewy pizza at home. You only need a few ingredients and some simple techniques to make it.
Follow the step-by-step guide and pick your favorite toppings. This way, you can enjoy the sourdough’s unique flavor and texture. Whether you choose classic pepperoni and cheese or something bold like Denali Pizza, the crust will impress.
Try this homemade pizza and sourdough recipe with sourdough discard. It opens up a new world of tasty, artisanal pizza-making. Enjoy the process, be creative with toppings, and love the crunchy, chewy sourdough discard pizza crust.
FAQs
1. Is sourdough good for pizza crust?
Yes, sourdough is excellent for pizza crust. Using sourdough adds a slightly tangy flavor and a chewy texture that many people enjoy. It also develops a more complex taste profile thanks to the natural fermentation process. Additionally, sourdough crusts can be easier to digest due to the breakdown of gluten during fermentation.
2. What happens if you bake sourdough discard?
You’ll typically get a flatter, denser product if you bake sourdough discard. The discard doesn’t have the same leavening power as an active sourdough starter because it lacks enough yeast and bacteria. However, it’s still useful for making items like crackers, pancakes, or flatbreads where you don’t need a lot of rise.
3. Why is my sourdough pizza crust tough?
A tough sourdough pizza crust can result from several factors. Overworking the dough, not allowing it to rest or ferment long enough, or using too much flour during shaping can lead to a tougher texture. Insufficient hydration in the dough can also make it dry and less pliable, leading to a tough crust after baking.
4. Why is my sourdough discard pizza dough not rising?
If your sourdough discard pizza dough isn’t rising, it’s likely due to insufficient yeast activity in the discard. Sourdough discard contains less active yeast than a well-maintained starter. Add a small amount of commercial yeast to improve rise, or ensure your discard has been recently refreshed and fed for better leavening potential.
PrintSourdough Discard Pizza Crust Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 large pizzas 1x
Description
Turn your sourdough discard into the perfect pizza crust—chewy, bubbly, and ready in under an hour
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (240g)
- 1 tbsp honey (21g)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (7g)
- ¾ cup sourdough discard (200g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (28g)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (3g)
Instructions
1. Add warm water, yeast, and honey to a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix in sourdough discard and olive oil, then gradually add flour and salt.
3. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 500°F with a pizza stone or baking steel inside.
5. Divide dough in half, shape into 12-inch rounds, and top with your favorite ingredients.
6. Bake for 6-7 minutes until the crust is golden and bubbly. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a pizza stone for a perfectly crisp crust.
- Make ahead and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours for more flavor!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dinner