Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe

April 9, 2026 - By Maggie

This Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe is the perfect chewy crust you’re looking for.

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Sourdough Pizza is a famliy favorite. I’ve made pizza dough my whole life. Since adding in sourdough to our lives, I now make it this way.

Making pizza is a fun way to include the whole family. I make multiple different types of pizza when I do. A special one I make is with pesto, mozzarella cheese and prosciutto. It’s got such a fresh flavor it’s addictive. I top it with fresh arugula too.

Ingredients in Sourdough Pizza Dough

00 Flour
Active Starter
Water
Sea Salt
Sugar

Instructions to making a Sourdough Pizza Crust

Combine all ingredients until a ball forms. If dough is too dry add a little water.
Cover and let rest 30 minutes.
Lightly flour your silicone mat and put dough onto it. Kneed for about 5 minutes until it is not sticky.
Cover and let rest 3-4 hours. (Or overnight in the fridge) It should double.

❓ Sourdough Pizza Dough FAQs

Can I use sourdough discard for pizza dough?

Yes! You can use either active starter or discard, but the results will differ slightly. Active starter will give you a better rise and lighter texture, while discard creates a slightly denser crust with a more pronounced tang. If using discard, consider adding a small amount of yeast to help with lift.

How long should sourdough pizza dough ferment?

For best flavor and texture, ferment the dough for at least 8–12 hours at room temperature or up to 48 hours in the fridge. A longer fermentation develops that classic sourdough flavor and makes the crust easier to digest.

Why is my sourdough pizza dough too sticky?

Sourdough dough is naturally stickier than traditional dough due to higher hydration. If it’s too sticky to handle:

Lightly flour your hands and work surface
Use stretch-and-fold techniques instead of kneading
Chill the dough for easier handling

Avoid adding too much flour, or your crust may turn dense.

Can I make sourdough pizza dough ahead of time?

Absolutely—and it’s actually better that way. You can store the dough in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. The flavor improves over time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Do I need to use yeast with sourdough pizza dough?

Not necessarily. Traditional sourdough pizza dough relies entirely on the starter for leavening. However, adding a small amount of yeast can speed up the process and create a more predictable rise—especially helpful for beginners.

What is the best flour for sourdough pizza dough?

Bread flour is the best choice because of its higher protein content, which creates a chewy, stretchy crust. You can also use:

All-purpose flour (softer crust)
“00” flour (more authentic, tender pizza texture)

How do I get a crispy crust with sourdough pizza dough?

For that perfect crispy base:

Preheat your oven as hot as possible (450–500°F)
Use a pizza stone or steel
Avoid overloading with toppings
Bake on the lowest rack for better bottom heat

Can I freeze pizza dough?

Yes! After the first rise, divide the dough into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before stretching.

Why didn’t my pizza dough rise?

A few common reasons:

Your starter wasn’t active enough
The room was too cold
Not enough fermentation time

Make sure your starter is bubbly and passes the float test before using.

How do I stretch sourdough pizza dough without tearing it?

Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before stretching. This relaxes the gluten and makes it easier to work with. Gently stretch from the center outward and avoid using a rolling pin if possible.

Is sourdough pizza dough healthier than regular pizza dough?

Many people find sourdough easier to digest due to the fermentation process, which helps break down gluten and phytic acid. While it’s still pizza, it can be a more gut-friendly option compared to traditional dough.

Can I cook sourdough pizza dough in an air fryer?

Yes—especially for personal-sized pizzas! Cook at around 375–400°F for 7–10 minutes depending on thickness. It’s a great quick option when you don’t want to heat up the oven.

Other Sourdough Recipes: