Sourdough Pizza Crust
There's no pizza like sourdough pizza! It has a crispy, chewy crust that is perfectly charred on top and bottom and loaded with all the good stuff. We've developed an easy overnight dough that will hold all your favorite pizza toppings and bake to perfection every time, with or without a pizza peel. Get your stretchy pants ready because you won't be able to eat just one slice!
Jump to:
- Amy's Notes
- Sample baking schedule
- Ingredients & Substitutes
- Equipment Needed
- How to Make Sourdough Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet
- Tip For Shaping The Dough
- How to Bake Sourdough Pizza on a Pizza Stone
- Tips For Adjusting Hydration
- How to Store and Freeze
- More Popular Sourdough recipes
- Sourdough Pizza Crust Recipe
Amy's Notes
We love all things sourdough around here, and pizza crust is right at the top of the list. Especially when it's this easy to make!
This is the perfect recipe to use with your leftover sourdough starter discard. Just like our cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and sourdough biscuits, plan to make the dough the night before you want to bake.
Let the dough ferment on the counter while you sleep, and then pop it in the fridge the next morning. When you get home from work, your pizza dough will be waiting for you to bake, and you'll be ready to have dinner on the table!
This recipe makes (4) 8” pizza crusts, but you can also divide the dough in half to make (2) 16” pizzas.
Be sure to check out the recipes for homemade pizza sauce and homemade pesto. They are the perfect compliments to your pizza!
Sample baking schedule
Here's my baking schedule for family pizza night!
- 8 PM: Mix the dough the night before, cover the bowl, and let it sit at room temperature overnight.
- 8 AM: Perform one set of stretches and folds. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge until ready to cook. (8-36 hours.)
- 5 PM: Remove the bowl of dough from the fridge.
- 5:30 PM: Cook pizzas.
Adjusting Your Baking Schedule: We test our recipes in a kitchen that’s 68-70°F. When planning your sourdough baking schedule, use our sample baking schedule as a guide, but adjust as needed. A cooler kitchen will require more time, while a warmer kitchen will speed up fermentation.
Ingredients & Substitutes
- Ingredients: Unfed sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, water, olive oil, and salt.
- Using active sourdough starter: If you want to use an active starter, reduce the amount to ¼ cup (50 g).
- Adjusting salt: We use Redmonds fine sea salt weighing 10 grams per 2 teaspoons. If using regular table salt, use 1 ½ teaspoons. If using flaky sea salt, use a heaping 2 ½ teaspoons. If you are on a low-salt diet, reduce the salt by half.
- Flour substitutes: All-purpose flour can be substituted with bread flour or 00 flour. If you make this switch, you will need to adjust the hydration level slightly, as bread flour and 00 flour absorb water differently than all-purpose flour. Add a little more or less water as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
Equipment Needed
- Cast Iron Skillet: Cooking this sourdough pizza crust in a cast iron skillet makes all the difference! It’s so easy to go from stove-top to broiler, giving the crust a perfect char while keeping it crispy. The skillet helps achieve that golden, slightly crispy bottom while allowing a quick transition under the broiler to melt the cheese and cook the toppings. You will need a 12" cast iron skillet for the stovetop/broiler method.
- Pizza Stone and Peel: If you prefer using a pizza stone, we've got instructions for that too, ensuring a crispy crust and perfectly baked pizza every time! You will need a pizza stone and peel for the oven method.
- Baker's Scale: We use a kitchen scale for precise measurements when developing our recipes. Measuring cups can lead to inconsistent results, so keep that in mind if you’re not using a scale.
How to Make Sourdough Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet
Step 1
Mix the pizza crust ingredients in a large mixing bowl until they come together and form a shaggy mass. Cover the bowl and let it ferment on the counter at room temperature overnight.
Adjusting Hydration: We’ve adjusted the recipe to 70% hydration for easier handling. If the dough feels too sticky, reduce the water by 25 grams next time. If it feels too stiff, add 25 grams.
Step 2
The following morning, perform one set of stretches and folds, cover the bowl, and place it in the fridge until ready to bake. (At this point, the dough can be used to make the pizza crust if you don't want a longer ferment.)
Step 3
Remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, flour your work surface, and shape each portion into a ball. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Turn on your oven's broiler to HIGH. On a stovetop, heat a cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. If needed, lightly oil the cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
Working one at a time on a floured surface, press a dough ball into an 8" wide circle. If the dough is sticky, generously flour the work surface and the top of the dough as needed to prevent sticking.
Tip For Shaping The Dough
If the dough feels stiff and hard to shape, let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make it easier to stretch into a nice round shape.
Step 5
When the skillet is hot, lay the circle of dough in it. VERY carefully use your fingers to press the dough's edges to cover the skillet's bottom.
Immediately add the sauce and toppings to the crust and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the bottom starts to char.
Tip: If the dough is too thick, you will need to cook it longer on the stovetop at a lower temperature to ensure the crust cooks through properly. You can also try putting it under the broiler for a few minutes before adding the toppings to help it cook through and avoid the "gum line" in the center.
Step 6
Immediately place your pizza toppings on the crust. Cook on the stovetop for 5-6 minutes. Use a spatula to lift the crust to check the bottom for doneness. It should have a nice char.
Once the bottom is well cooked, transfer the skillet under the broiler for 2-4 minutes to cook the toppings. Check on the pizza frequently to avoid the crust and toppings from burning.
Step 7
Remove the pizza from your oven and cut it into slices!
How to Bake Sourdough Pizza on a Pizza Stone
- Place the pizza stone in a cold oven and preheat it to 450°F (232°C) Press the dough into a crust and add your desired toppings.
- Once the oven and pizza stone are heated, carefully use a pizza peel to transfer the dough directly onto the pizza stone. Be sure to move quickly to avoid the dough from losing its shape. If you don't have a pizza peel, you can shape the pizza on a sheet of parchment paper and then transfer it to the baking stone.
- Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes or until the toppings are done and the crust is cooked through.
Tips For Adjusting Hydration
- In warmer months, reduce the amount of water in the initial mix by 25 grams. If the dough seems too stiff, gradually add the remaining water until you achieve the desired hydration level.
- For a variation, you can adjust the flour measurements to 75g whole wheat flour and 425g all-purpose flour. Since whole wheat flour absorbs more water than all-purpose flour, this will slightly reduce the dough's hydration level.
How to Store and Freeze
How to Store and Reheat: Store leftover pizza in a closed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat leftover pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. For a quicker option, microwave on a plate for 30-60 seconds, though the crust may be softer.
How to Freeze Unbaked Pizza Dough: After the second rise in the fridge, divide the dough into 2 or 4 balls and coat them with oil to prevent sticking. Place each one in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator for 12 hours or overnight. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking as directed.
How to Freeze Baked Pizza Crust: After the final rise in the fridge, shape the dough and cook in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes. Finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Let cool, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each crust. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the frozen crust on a baking sheet (no need to thaw), add toppings, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
More Popular Sourdough recipes
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Sourdough Pizza Crust Recipe
EQUIPMENT
- 12" Cast Iron Skillet for the cast iron stovetop method
- pizza stone and peel for the oven method
Before You Begin
INGREDIENTS
Sourdough pizza crust
- ⅓ cup (100 g) sourdough starter discard (if you would like to use active starter reduce to ¼ cup (50 g)
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) fine sea salt (see notes if using a different type of salt)
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) olive oil
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (50 g) whole wheat flour
- 3 ¾ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour (bread flour or 00 flour can be used, see notes)
- 1 ⅓ cups + 1 teaspoon (325 g) water (see notes)
Pizza toppings
- pizza sauce
- homemade pesto
- your choice of toppings
INSTRUCTIONS
How to Make Sourdough Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet
- The night before you want to bake: Add ⅓ cup (100 g) sourdough starter discard, 2 teaspoons (10 g) fine sea salt, 2 tablespoons (30 g) olive oil, ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (50 g) whole wheat flour, 3 ¾ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour, and 1 ⅓ cups + 1 teaspoon (325 g) water to a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until fully combined. Cover and let the dough ferment at room temperature overnight.
- The next morning: Perform a set of stretch and folds to strengthen the dough. Wet your hand with water to prevent sticking. While keeping the dough in the bowl, gently pull one side up and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl and repeat on all sides until you've completed a full circle. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 8 to 36 hours. The dough can be used immediately to make your pizza, but the cold ferment is optional and will help develop more flavor.
- When ready to cook: Remove the dough from the fridge and let it rest on the counter for 30 minutes at room temperature. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each portion into a ball on a generously floured work surface. Cover the dough with a tea towel and let them rest for 30 minutes.
- Turn on your oven's broiler to HIGH. On a stovetop heat a cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. If needed, lightly oil the cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
- While the skillet is preheating, press a dough ball into an 8" circle on a floured surface using your hands. Use more flour as needed to prevent sticking. (If the dough is difficult to shape, let it rest for 15 minutes on the counter to allow the gluten to relax.)
- When the skillet is hot, lay the circle of dough in it. VERY carefully use your fingers to press the edges of the dough to cover the bottom of the skillet. Immediately add the sauce and toppings to the crust and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the bottom of the crust starts to char. TIP: If the dough is too thick, you will need to cook it longer on the stovetop at a lower temperature to ensure the crust cooks through properly. You can also try putting it under the broiler for a few minutes before adding the toppings to help it cook through and avoid the "gum line" in the center.
- Once the bottom has turned brown and charred, transfer the cast iron skillet to the broiler to finish baking the top of the pizza for 2-4 minutes. Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot. Make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent the toppings from burning, as broiler temperatures can vary. Every oven is different, so individual results may vary.
How to Bake Sourdough Pizza on A Pizza Stone
- Place the pizza stone in a cold oven and preheat it to 450°F (232°C) Press the dough into a crust and add your desired toppings. (The dough can be divided into 4 personal-sized pizzas or 2 larger pizzas.)
- Once the oven and pizza stone are heated, carefully use a pizza peel to transfer the dough directly onto the pizza stone. Be sure to move quickly to avoid the dough from losing its shape. Alternatively, you can shape the pizza on a piece of parchment paper and then transfer it to the baking stone.
- Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes or until the toppings are done and the crust is cooked through.
NOTES
- Measuring Ingredients: Our recipes use a kitchen scale for precise measurements when developing our recipes. Measuring cups can lead to inconsistent results, so keep that in mind if you’re not using a scale.
- Flour: All-purpose flour can be substituted with bread flour or 00 flour. If you make this switch, you may need to adjust the hydration level slightly, as bread flour and 00 flour absorb water differently than all-purpose flour. Add a little more or less water as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Adjusting Hydration: We’ve adjusted the recipe to 70% hydration for easier handling. If the dough feels too sticky, reduce the water by 25 grams next time. If it feels too stiff, add 25 grams.
- Adjusting salt: We use Redmonds fine sea salt weighing 10 grams per 2 teaspoons. If using regular table salt, use 1 ½ teaspoons. If using flaky sea salt, use a heaping 2 ½ teaspoons.
- How to Store and Reheat: Store leftover pizza in a closed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat leftover pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. For a quicker option, microwave on a plate for 30-60 seconds, though the crust may be softer.
- How to Freeze Unbaked Pizza Dough: After the second rise in the fridge, divide the dough into 2 or 4 balls and coat them with oil to prevent sticking. Place each one in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator for 12 hours or overnight. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking as directed.
- How to Freeze Baked Pizza Crust: After the final rise in the fridge, shape the dough and cook in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes. Finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Let cool, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each crust. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the frozen crust on a baking sheet (no need to thaw), add toppings, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Nutrition
More easy sourdough recipes:
i really love your dedication to sourdough. First time I tasted sourdough I was about ten. My dad and aunt were discovering whole foods for the first time. It was a love affair which started then and has never really petered out. When COVID lockdowns started, so began my sourdough baking in earnest. I have been making discard crackers, which I like too much. Now for pizza dough....I added a little psyllium husk too, to add some fibre.
we have a grill pizza oven. would this dough stand up to that?
I've had several readers say that they've had success on their grills with this recipe.
My dough has been in the fridge for over 42 hours. Just couldn’t get to it. Can I still use it? Recipe says up to 36 hours.
Hi Alicia, I would definitely try to use it. You may just need to add a little more flour to hold the dough together while shaping.
Hi I was wondering if I can use the skillet for the first part then wait till the guests arrive to place the topping and put it under the broil later when ready to serve.
I've never tried that but I don't see why it wouldn't work!
This was the best homemade pizza dough! First time that I made it and it turned out wonderful. I loved the flavor and texture. I’m glad that I made extra because I’m going to try freezing some.
Yummy but cooking timing was off for me. They all came out doughy.
This dough is delicious!! And soo easy to make which is a plus!!.. can you freeze this?
Yes you can freeze the dough before or after cooking. If you freeze the dough, just allow it to thaw in the fridge or on the counter before making the pizzas. Or you can precook the crust and freeze it.
I am always in search of the best pizza dough. I have made from scratch, bought from local Italian deli, trader joes, Whole Foods and so on. This is by far the BEST pizza dough recipe. The cooking method makes it perfect. I have also tried different pizza stones, pans, direct on the BBQ. I am never quite happy with the outcome…. This dough recipe and method of cooking is 5 star. My search for the perfect pizza is over!
Hi. Do you have to use discard? What happens if you use active (fed) bubbly starter? Thanks!
You can use active starter. The dough will rise so you may want to cut the amount of starter in half.
I've been making this often. love it. family loves it. my young daughter helps with her dough and then directs me with the toppings. this passes the no flop test. we load it up and it each slice handles it. so crispy on top and bottom. I use the nonstick pan and baking sheet method. we make all 4 pizzas and enjoy taking slices from each of them. left over pizza is also THE BEST. I've shared the recipe with my friends too.
I make it so I have discard just to make this. Thank-you!
oh, we just had this pizza for Pi day