Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough: The Perfect Recipe for Crisp, Flavorful Crust

What is Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough?

Sourdough discard pizza dough is a unique recipe that incorporates leftover sourdough starter—discarded portions that are typically removed during the feeding process. Instead of tossing this flavorful, tangy mixture, you can use it to create a pizza dough that’s packed with depth. This dough is naturally leavened and often has a slight sour taste, adding a delicious twist to your pizza base.

The Charm of Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough

The beauty of sourdough discard pizza dough lies in its simplicity and sustainability. By repurposing your sourdough starter discard, you’re reducing food waste and enhancing the flavor of your pizza crust at the same time. You don’t need any special ingredients—just the basics: flour, water, and sourdough discard. Some recipes may even skip the yeast entirely, relying on the natural fermentation properties of the discard.

Crafting the Perfect Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough

Making pizza dough from sourdough discard is incredibly easy. Here’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require overnight fermentation or complicated steps. This quick sourdough discard pizza dough recipe will have you enjoying fresh, crispy pizza in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups sourdough discard
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tsp honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tsp active dry yeast (optional, for a quicker rise)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm water, olive oil, and honey. If you’re using yeast, dissolve it in the warm water first. Add the flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
3. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll the dough out into your desired pizza shape and add your favorite toppings. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Customizing Your Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough

While this easy sourdough discard pizza dough recipe will give you great results, there are plenty of ways to personalize it. For example, you can swap the all-purpose flour with 00 flour for a thinner, more delicate crust. You can also experiment by adding herbs like rosemary or garlic into the dough for an extra burst of flavor.

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Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough

A quick and easy pizza dough recipe made using sourdough starter discard. This dough gives your pizza crust a tangy flavor and chewy texture without the need for additional yeast. Perfect for a delicious homemade pizza night!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword pizza dough from sourdough discard, quick sourdough discard pizza dough, sourdough discard pizza dough

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Resting Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Calories 250kcal

Cost 3

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling Pin
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Oven
• Damp towel or plastic wrap (for covering dough)

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups sourdough discard
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tsp honey optional for sweetness
• 1 tsp active dry yeast optional for quicker rise

Instructions

• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, warm water, olive oil, and honey (if using). If you’re using yeast, dissolve it in the warm water first.
• Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour and salt until the dough begins to come together. Add more flour if needed if the dough is too sticky.
• Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary.
• Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest for at least 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough to your desired shape, add toppings, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.

Notes

No Yeast Option: If you prefer, you can skip the yeast. The sourdough discard will still help the dough rise, but it may take a bit longer.
Herbs: Add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for added flavor.
Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using.
Thin Crust: For a thinner crust, roll the dough out more evenly and bake for less time.
Baking Surface: For an extra crispy crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or cast iron skillet.

Expert Tips for Success

Here are a few expert tips to ensure your sourdough discard pizza dough turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for developing the right texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For a crispy, golden crust, bake your pizza in a preheated cast iron skillet.
• Consider a Longer Rise: If you’re not in a hurry, try allowing the dough to rise overnight for even more flavor and texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! From fresh mozzarella to arugula or balsamic glaze, the possibilities are endless.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve your sourdough discard pizza with a simple side salad of mixed greens, or pair it with a bold red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a few side dishes like roasted garlic bread or marinated olives to complement the flavors.

Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe: The Fast Version

If you’re short on time and craving pizza, here’s how to make a quick sourdough discard pizza dough:

Storage Information:

Room Temperature: Pizza dough can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Refrigeration: Store leftover dough in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just thaw it before using.

Nutrition Facts:

Conclusion

Using sourdough discard for pizza dough is not only a sustainable choice, but it also delivers a unique, rich flavor that traditional pizza dough just can’t match. Whether you’re looking for a quick, easy sourdough discard pizza dough recipe or one that allows for a longer rise, this method is perfect for home bakers of all levels. Enjoy this recipe and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make pizza dough with sourdough discard without yeast?
   Yes! You can make pizza dough with sourdough discard without yeast; the natural leavening in the starter is enough.
2. How long should I let sourdough discard pizza dough rise?
   Let the dough rise for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a more developed flavor.
3. Can I freeze sourdough discard pizza dough?
   Yes! You can freeze the dough and thaw it for later use.
4. What’s the best flour to use for sourdough discard pizza dough?
   All-purpose flour works well, but you can also try 00 flour for a thinner, more delicate crust.
5. Can I use a bread machine for sourdough discard pizza dough?
   Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough, but it’s not necessary. Kneading by hand is just as effective.

Recipe Notes

For an extra crispy crust, try baking your pizza on a preheated pizza stone or cast iron skillet. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a more flavorful base. Enjoy experimenting with your sourdough discard!

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