Are you tired of throwing away that leftover sourdough starter? Do you dream of crispy, chewy pizza but dread the long rise times? Then prepare to be amazed! This recipe transforms your discarded sourdough starter – or even just some leftover bread dough – into incredibly delicious, perfectly imperfect pizza. It's a quick, easy, and surprisingly flavorful way to use up scraps and enjoy a homemade pizza night without the wait. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and a fantastic way to minimize food waste. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup discarded sourdough starter (or 1 cup leftover bread dough)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or bread flour, for a chewier crust)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup warm water
- Your favorite pizza sauce
- Your favorite pizza toppings (mozzarella cheese is a must!)
Instructions:
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Combine the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the discarded sourdough starter (or bread dough), flour, and salt. Slowly add the warm water and olive oil, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky, and that's okay!
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Knead (Lightly): Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for just a minute or two – you're not aiming for a perfectly smooth dough. The goal is to bring the ingredients together.
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Shape the Pizza: Lightly oil your pizza pan or baking sheet. Using your hands, gently stretch or flatten the dough into your desired pizza shape. Don’t worry about it being perfectly round; rustic charm is part of the appeal!
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Add Toppings: Spread your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your preferred toppings.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Tips for Pizza Perfection:
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Starter Variations: This recipe works beautifully with both active and inactive sourdough starters. If your starter is quite dry, you may need to adjust the water accordingly. The same applies to using leftover bread dough – adjust hydration as needed.
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Flour Power: Bread flour will result in a chewier crust, while all-purpose flour provides a slightly softer texture. Experiment to find your preferred result!
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Pre-bake (Optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
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Creative Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try roasted vegetables, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or even a simple Margherita with basil and fresh tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Variations:
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Garlic Herb Pizza: Add minced garlic and dried herbs like oregano and basil to the dough.
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Spicy Pizza: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes over the cheese.
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White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use a creamy white sauce instead, topped with cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary greatly depending on your toppings, but a basic cheese pizza made with this recipe will contain roughly:
- Calories: 250-350
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This discard pizza dough recipe offers a simple, delicious, and resourceful way to enjoy homemade pizza. It's a perfect solution for using up leftover sourdough starter or bread dough, transforming potential waste into a delightful meal. It's quick, easy, and adaptable to any taste, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!