The Perfect Sourdough Base... A Step By Step Guide

There is something truly magical about the combination of sourdough and pizza. The tangy, complex flavours of a well-fermented sourdough crust elevate homemade pizza to a whole new level. If you are a sourdough enthusiast or simply looking to explore the world of artisanal pizza, this step-by-step guide will help you craft the perfect sourdough pizza dough from scratch.

Ingredients:

For your sourdough pizza dough, gather the following ingredients:

Active Sourdough Starter - Ensure it's bubbly and active; you'll need about 1 cup.

Tools:

You'll also need some essential kitchen tools:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now, let's dive into the process of creating your own sourdough pizza dough:

1. Refresh Your Sourdough Starter:

Ensure your sourdough starter is active and vigorous. If it's been sitting in the fridge, consider refreshing it with a feed of equal parts flour and water a few hours before starting your dough.

2. Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, lukewarm water, olive oil, and sugar (if using). Mix well.

Add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead it for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

4. Ferment the Dough:

Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a cloth, and let it ferment at room temperature for at least 4-6 hours. if you have the time, take it out to 24. During this time, the dough should double in size. 

5. Shape Your Pizza Dough:

Once the dough has fermented, gently punch it down to release excess gas. Divide it into portions depending on how many pizzas you want to make. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a lightly floured surface. Cover them and let them rest for about 20-30 minutes.

6. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, typically around 500°F (260°C), and place your pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

7. Roll Out the Dough:

Roll out each dough ball into your desired pizza shape on a floured surface or use your hands to stretch it gently.

8. Prepare Your Pizza:

Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel or an upside-down baking sheet.

Add your favorite pizza toppings, sauce, cheese, and any other desired ingredients.

9. Bake Your Pizza:

Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are bubbly and cooked to your liking.

10. Enjoy:

Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a moment, slice it up, and savour your homemade sourdough pizza!

Making sourdough pizza dough from scratch is a rewarding culinary adventure that results in a crust with unmatched flavours and texture. With a little time and patience, you can create a perfect canvas for your favourite pizza toppings. Experiment with flavours, and enjoy the incredible taste of homemade sourdough pizza - your taste buds will thank you!