Ingredients
For the Dough
- 500g bread flour
- 350g warm water
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni
- Vegetables
- Fresh basil
Step 1: Activate the Starter
Feed your sourdough starter 4–6 hours before making the dough. It should look bubbly, active, and doubled in size. This helps create a light and airy pizza crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sourdough starter. Stir until the starter dissolves mostly into the water.
Add the bread flour and olive oil. Mix until no dry flour remains. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting stage helps hydrate the flour and improves texture.
After resting, add the salt and mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Knead or Stretch and Fold
You can knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth, or use stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes over 2 hours.
To stretch and fold:
- Grab one side of the dough
- Stretch it upward gently
- Fold it over the center
- Rotate and repeat
The dough will become soft, stretchy, and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours. The dough should become puffy and slightly increased in size.
For deeper flavor, place the dough in the refrigerator overnight after the first rise.
Step 5: Divide the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 2 equal portions for medium pizzas.
Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath.
Cover the dough balls and let them rest for 30–60 minutes before shaping.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, usually 475–500°F (245–260°C).
If using a pizza stone or steel, place it inside the oven while preheating. A very hot oven helps create a crispy crust.
Step 7: Shape the Pizza Dough
Lightly flour your surface and gently press one dough ball into a flat circle.
Stretch the dough outward using your hands, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. Avoid using a rolling pin if possible to keep the dough airy.
Transfer the shaped dough onto parchment paper or a pizza peel.
Step 8: Add Toppings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough. Add mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings.
Do not overload the pizza or the crust may become soggy.
Step 9: Bake the Pizza
Bake the pizza for 10–15 minutes or until:
- The crust becomes golden brown
- The cheese melts and bubbles
- The bottom becomes crisp
Cooking time may vary depending on your oven temperature.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Top with fresh basil, chili flakes, or olive oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the chewy crust and rich sourdough flavor.
