Sourdough Pizza Crust

Step 1

Add 100g water to a 1-quart deli container.

Step 2

Add 25g sourdough culture to the water and mix with your hand, pinching to break up the culture.

Step 3

Weigh 100g bread flour in a small bowl.

Step 4

Add flour to water and culture mixture, stir to all dry flour is absorbed.

Step 5

Cover. Let rest at room temperature for 6-12 hours. It should double in size. Time and activity will vary by location and conditions.

Step 6

Add "00" Flour, Bread Flour, T85 Flour to the mixer bowl. Mix on lowest speed

Step 7

Add 450g filtered water to the starter and and mix by hand till the starter is mostly dissolved into the water.

Step 8

Turn mixer off and add the starter and water mix. Mix on lowest speed just till the dry flour is incorporated. Cover and let rest in mixer bowl about 25 minutes.

Step 9

Add 25g salt to the mixer bowl and mix on low speed. After the salt is worked into the dough slowly add 10g extra virgin olive oil with mixer running. Mix about 3-4 minutes on low to medium speed. The dough should look mostly smooth.

Step 10

Re-weigh your dough to get your final dough ball size (divide total by 4 or 5 depending on desired pizza size, 4 for a 13-15in pizza 5 for 10-12in).

Step 11

Cover tightly. Let bulk ferment at room temperature for 1-5 hours (actual time will depend on your environment it should almost double. Watch the video for more details)

Step 12

Lightly oil a half sheet pan or dough tray. (I place the dough ball(s) I plan to use the same day on their own sheet or plate)

Step 13

Lightly dust a work surface with flour. With floured hands remove the dough from the bowl.

Step 14

Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour.

Step 15

Using a scale as you go. Divide the dough into 4 -5 portions. (4 dough balls for 13-15 in. pizzas, 5 for 10-12 in.) I use a bench scrapper to cut the dough.

Step 16

Working with the dough in your hands form into balls, making sure to close. Watch the video to learn how.

Step 17

Place on half sheet pan or dough tray. Cover tightly. Let ferment at room temperature till dough balls are looking nice and perky with micro bubbles visible when looking at the surface of the dough. 1-4 hours, actual time depends on your environment.

Step 18

For cold fermentation, refrigerate dough balls for up to 4 days for best results. For same day, enjoy!

Step 19

Temper the dough by removing from the refrigerator and allowing to come to room temperature before using. You may carefully remove individual dough balls and temper on an oiled, covered plate reserving additional dough balls for later use.