Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until dissolved and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the frothy yeast mixture, sourdough discard, flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a baking sheet, you can prepare it after the dough has finished rising.
- Divide and Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a 12-inch round.
- Add Toppings: Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel (if using a pizza stone) or onto a baking sheet. Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Bake: Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Fermentation Matrix
Use our free interactive calculator to find the perfect timings for your starter and bulk fermentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does Sourdough Discard Pizza stay fresh?
You can store Sourdough Discard Pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of sourdough starter for Sourdough Discard Pizza?
This recipe is specifically developed to utilize the natural wild yeast in a sourdough starter. While you can technically substitute commercial yeast, it requires drastically altering the hydration levels and proofing times, which changes the authentic flavor profile.
Q: Why is my dough too sticky or hard to handle?
Sticky dough is incredibly common in sourdough baking. It is usually caused by either over-hydration (adding too much water for your flour's absorption capacity) or over-fermentation. If the dough is unmanageable, try reducing the liquid by 5-10% on your next bake, or perform an extra set of stretch and folds to build gluten strength.