Crispy Sourdough Pizza
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade pizza, especially when it’s made with a sourdough crust that’s crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside. The naturally fermented dough gives the crust a slight tang, making every bite more flavorful than a standard pizza dough.
What I love most about this recipe is that it allows me to use my sourdough starter in a fun and delicious way. Whether topped with classic marinara and mozzarella or loaded with gourmet toppings like prosciutto and arugula, this pizza never disappoints. If you’re looking for the perfect homemade pizza night experience, this crispy sourdough pizza is a must-try!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Do I need a mature sourdough starter?
A: Yes! A well-fed, active sourdough starter is essential for a light and airy crust.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it cold ferment in the fridge for an even deeper flavor.
Q: Do I need a pizza stone?
A: While a pizza stone helps achieve an ultra-crispy crust, a preheated baking sheet or cast-iron skillet works well too.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! After the first rise, you can freeze the dough in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Q: What are the best toppings for sourdough pizza?
A: Classic margherita, pepperoni, caramelized onions with goat cheese, or even white sauce with mushrooms all pair beautifully with the tangy sourdough crust.
What You Need to Make Crispy Sourdough Pizza
For the Sourdough Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) bread flour
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pizza Toppings (Customizable):
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Extra olive oil, for drizzling
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Bench scraper or dough scraper
- Rolling pin (optional, for shaping)
- Pizza stone, baking sheet, or cast-iron skillet
- Pizza peel or large spatula
How to Make Crispy Sourdough Pizza
- Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil. Stir to mix. Add the flour and salt, then knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest at room temperature for 4–6 hours until it doubles in size. - Preheat the Oven
Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. This ensures a crispy crust. - Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to stretch it into a thin round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again. - Assemble the Pizza
Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly and add any desired toppings. - Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. - Finish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle fresh basil on top, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Crispy Sourdough Pizza
- Use a Well-Fed Starter – An active sourdough starter gives the dough the best rise and flavor. Feed it 4–6 hours before making the dough.
- Cold Fermentation for More Flavor – Letting the dough rest in the fridge overnight enhances its tangy sourdough taste.
- Don’t Overload the Toppings – Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Keep it simple for the best texture.
- Use a Hot Surface – A preheated pizza stone or baking sheet creates the crispiest crust. If you don’t have one, a cast-iron skillet works great too.
- Try a Garlic Butter Crust – Brush the edges with melted butter and garlic for extra flavor.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was the best homemade pizza I’ve ever made! The sourdough crust was crispy on the outside and chewy inside. Will be making again!” – Rachel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I love the tangy flavor of the crust. The recipe was easy to follow, and the pizza turned out perfect.” – Mike
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this with caramelized onions and goat cheese—so good! My family devoured it.” – Laura
Printable Recipe
Crispy Sourdough Pizza
This homemade crispy sourdough pizza has a perfectly chewy crust with a light tangy flavor. Topped with melty cheese and your favorite ingredients, it’s a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil. Stir to mix. Add the flour and salt, then knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest at room temperature for 4–6 hours until it doubles in size.
Preheat the Oven
- Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. This ensures a crispy crust.
Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to stretch it into a thin round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again.
Assemble the Pizza
- Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly and add any desired toppings.
Bake Until Golden and Crispy
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
Finish and Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle fresh basil on top, and enjoy!
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