If you’ve ever wondered what to do with sourdough discard, I have the ultimate treat for you! This Quick & Easy Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe transforms that often wasted ingredient into a wonderfully soft, flavorful pizza base that bakes up crisp and irresistible. It’s the perfect way to enjoy homemade pizza with minimal fuss and maximum love — plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re new to dough. Trust me, once you try this, your pizza nights will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of basic ingredients is all it takes to create this magic dough. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tangy sourdough discard that gives character, to olive oil for that luscious texture and flavor. The simplicity here allows the ingredients to shine and keeps your prep stress-free.
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temp): Adds natural flavor and acts as the dough’s base, reducing waste and boosting taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting): The foundation that gives structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast: Ensures a reliable rise for a light, airy crust.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dough.
- ¾ cup warm water: Hydrates the dough just right for easy kneading.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing): Adds richness, tenderness, and a hint of fruitiness.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian herbs or garlic powder: A simple way to infuse extra aroma and depth.
How to Make Quick & Easy Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
Start by mixing the sourdough discard, warm water, and olive oil in a large bowl until well blended. This prepares a flavorful liquid base that will help dissolve the dry ingredients evenly and ensures your dough is moist and tender.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the flour, salt, instant yeast, and if you’re using them, the Italian herbs or garlic powder. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry about perfection here — shaggy is a sign of great things to come.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Now, knead your dough either by hand on a lightly floured surface or using a mixer with a dough hook. Aim for 5 to 7 minutes of kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, giving your crust that perfect chewy texture we all crave.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This resting time allows the yeast and sourdough discard to work their magic, infusing the dough with beautiful flavor and lightness.
Step 5: Preheat Your Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven is key to achieving that crispy, golden crust that makes homemade pizza feel so special.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it carefully to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone for baking. This is your canvas, so have fun shaping it just the way you like!
Step 7: Add Toppings
Slather on your favorite pizza sauce and pile on toppings — think gooey mozzarella, fresh basil, pepperoni, or anything you love. The beauty of this Quick & Easy Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe is that it pairs wonderfully with all your favorite flavors.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza in the hot oven for 10 to 14 minutes until the crust turns golden and crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges puff up slightly and the cheese bubbles enticingly. Then, it’s time to savor every delicious bite!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can turn good pizza into unforgettable pizza. Try sprinkling freshly chopped basil or oregano over the hot pizza right out of the oven. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a scattering of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pairing your pizza with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables balances the meal beautifully. A bowl of soup or a refreshing homemade lemonade also complements the rich flavors of the pizza wonderfully, perfect for a cozy night in.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the pizza into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter for sharing during game night or casual gatherings. You could also serve alongside mini dipping bowls of different sauces — think basil pesto, spicy marinara, or tangy ranch — to elevate the experience even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, making a quick snack or lunch option that tastes almost as fresh as when first baked.
Freezing
To freeze the dough, shape it into a ball and place it in a freezer-safe bag before it rises. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking. This way you can enjoy the Quick & Easy Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pizza in a hot skillet on the stove for a few minutes to revive the crispy crust, or pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough discard that is refrigerated?
Yes, but it should be brought to room temperature before mixing into the dough for the best texture and flavor development.
Do I need to add yeast if I’m using sourdough discard?
Adding a small amount of instant yeast helps ensure a reliable rise and soft texture, especially since discard alone may not be as active as a fully fed starter.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
That depends on your preference! For a thin-crust pizza, roll it out fairly thin, but if you love a thicker, chewy crust, leave it a bit thicker before baking.
Can I make this dough gluten-free?
This specific recipe uses all-purpose flour for the best elasticity, but you can experiment with gluten-free blends designed for yeast breads, though results may vary.
What toppings work best with this dough?
This dough is a versatile base, so feel free to get creative with classic toppings like mozzarella and tomato or try something adventurous like caramelized onions and goat cheese.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Quick & Easy Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe enough — it’s an absolute game-changer for sourdough lovers looking to reduce waste and boost flavor without a ton of effort. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dough brings joy and incredible taste to your table, every single time. Give it a try and watch your pizza nights become something truly special!
Print
Quick & Easy Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Quick & Easy Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough recipe transforms sourdough discard into a flavorful and versatile pizza crust with minimal effort. Using simple ingredients and a short rise time, it yields a deliciously crispy and chewy base perfect for your favorite toppings, making homemade pizza both convenient and satisfying.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian herbs or garlic powder for extra flavor
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm water, and olive oil until well mixed, creating a uniform base for the dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, and if desired, Italian herbs or garlic powder. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand or using a mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten structure for a good texture.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot, allowing it to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This fermentation step enhances flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking the pizza crust.
- Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone for baking.
- Add Toppings: Spread your favorite sauce and arrange your chosen toppings evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–14 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crisp, signaling that your pizza is ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Using sourdough discard rather than feeding your starter helps minimize waste.
- Instant yeast speeds up the rise time, so the dough is ready quickly, but can be omitted for a longer rise.
- Adjust water or flour slightly if the dough feels too sticky or dry.
- For best results, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven to achieve a crispier crust.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on preference or dietary needs.
