Introducing the delightful marriage of two culinary delights: sourdough bread pizza. Prepare to embark on a captivating journey where the artisanal craftsmanship of sourdough meets the delightful flavors of a beloved Italian classic. This fusion combines the sharp and complex flavors of sourdough bread with the irresistible allure of pizza, creating a wonderful culinary experience.
Table of Contents
For the pizza dough
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
For the fillings
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1 cup partially skimmed shredded mozzarella cheese
- Assorted vegetables of your choice (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions)
- Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, olive oil, and water. Mix well until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Put the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 6-8 hours or until doubled in size. Alternatively, you can let it set in the fridge overnight for more flavor development.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, put it in the preheated oven to get it nice and hot.
- Cut the baked dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference.
- Place the rolled dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or on a preheated pizza stone if using.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your favorite vegetables and any additional toppings. Season with salt, pepper and herbs if desired.
- Carefully transfer the pizza bread to the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your healthy sourdough pizza bread!
- Kitchen: Italian
Keywords: bread pizza with sourdough
Why make a sourdough pizza?
Making a sourdough pizza offers a nice departure from traditional pizza crusts and comes with a number of tempting benefits. Here are some compelling reasons to embark on the adventure of making sourdough pizzas:
- Unique taste: The fermentation of the sourdough gives the pizza crust a special sharp and slightly acidic flavor. This unique flavor adds depth and complexity to every bite, elevating the overall flavor profile of the pizza.
- Improved digestibility: The fermentation process breaks down complex carbohydrates and gluten, potentially making sourdough crust easier to digest for individuals with sensitivities to regular pizza crust. This can be a favorable choice for those looking for a milder and digestible option.
- Texture and crust quality: Sourdough crust tends to have a chewy texture and a light, airy texture. The longer fermentation process promotes better growth, resulting in a crust that is both soft and crisp, providing a nice contrast to the fillings.
What makes sourdough pizza so amazing?
What makes sourdough pizza so amazing is the harmonious blend of its distinctive taste, exceptional texture and the artistry behind its creation.
The sharp, slightly acidic taste of the dough adds depth and complexity that elevates each bite to a new level of culinary delight. Combined with the exceptional texture, characterized by a chewy interior and a crisp exterior, the sourdough bread pizza creates a delightful contrast that leaves you wanting more.
The natural fermentation process not only enhances flavor and texture, but also offers potential health benefits, making it a nutritious choice. The craftsmanship involved in cultivating and maintaining a sourdough starter, along with the endless possibilities for creative toppings, adds an element of artistry and customization.
It is this perfect union of taste, texture, health and culinary artistry that makes sourdough pizza truly amazing and an extraordinary culinary experience.
What do I need to make pizza bread?
To make pizza bread, you'll need a few key ingredients:
- Bread dough: The foundation of pizza bread, bread dough provides the foundation for your creation. It can be made from scratch using flour, yeast, water, and other ingredients, or you can use store-bought dough for convenience. (By the way! I have a blog post about bread dough vs pizza dough on my blog!)
- Tomato sauce: The sauce adds flavor to your pizza crust. It is usually made from tomatoes, herbs and spices, and serves as a delicious base for your fillings.
- Cheese: Cheese is a classic ingredient in pizza bread, providing melty, gooey goodness. Mozzarella cheese is commonly used, but you can also experiment with other types such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses.
- SATURATION: Customize your pizza bread with your favorite toppings. This can include sliced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, cooked meats like pepperoni or sausage, and herbs and spices for added flavor.
Optional components may include:
- Olive oil or butter: Brushing bread dough with olive oil or melted butter before baking can improve the flavor and texture of the crust.
- Garlic: Minced garlic can be added to the batter or sprinkled on top for a savory kick.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize the flavor profile by adding herbs like oregano, basil or red pepper flakes to the batter or as a topping.
Remember to preheat your oven and follow specific instructions for baking pizza bread. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and adjust them according to your taste preferences for a truly delicious pizza bread experience.
Healthy Sourdough Pizza Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the pizza dough
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 spoon of olive oil
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
For the fillings
- 1/2 cup ketchup (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 cup partially shredded mozzarella cheese
- Assorted vegetables of your choice (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions)
- Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
GUIDELINES
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, olive oil, and water. Mix well until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Put the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 6-8 hours or until doubled in size. Alternatively, you can let it set in the fridge overnight for more flavor development.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, put it in the preheated oven to get it nice and hot.
- Cut the baked dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference.
- Place the rolled dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or on a preheated pizza stone if using.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your favorite vegetables and any additional toppings. Season with salt, pepper and herbs if desired.
- Carefully transfer the pizza bread to the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your healthy sourdough pizza bread!
Prescription changes and substitutions
- Gluten free option: For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can find pre-made flour mixes at most grocery stores or make your own by combining different gluten-free flours such as rice flour, almond flour and tapioca flour.
- Vegan option: To make a vegan sourdough pizza crust, replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan mozzarella, vegan cheddar, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use vegetable-based toppings like roasted vegetables, marinated tofu, or vegan sausage. For more on (sourdough bread and veganism), check out my dedicated blog!
- Hawaiian style: Embrace the sweet and savory combination of pineapple and bacon. Use a tomato sauce base, then add sliced bacon, pineapple chunks and mozzarella or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Pizza dough bread
Sourdough pizza bread allows you to indulge in a culinary creation that is both satisfying and different. Its connection to tradition and the sense of pride in making it from scratch only enhance the overall experience.
So explore the world of sourdough pizza bread, unleash your creativity and enjoy the unique flavors and textures it has to offer.
Try my recipe for throw sourdough pizza, too! And if you feel something lighter, yes for one pizza with bread recipe? This super easy pizza with dill pickles it's easy to make too!
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough good for pizza?
Yes, sourdough can be a great option for making pizza crust. The sourdough fermentation process gives the crust a distinct flavor and texture, which can improve the overall taste of the pizza.
Is sourdough pizza better than regular pizza?
Sourdough pizza crust offers a unique flavor profile due to the fermentation process. The sharp, slightly acidic taste of sourdough can complement the toppings and add depth to the overall flavor of the pizza.
Is sourdough pizza crust better for you?
Sourdough pizza crust may offer several potential health benefits compared to a regular pizza crust. The fermentation process involved in making sourdough bread and pizza crust has been shown to have several advantages, which include making it easier to digest.