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Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza Recipe

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4.8 from 104 reviews

This Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza recipe transforms sourdough discard into a delicious, airy focaccia crust pizza topped with classic tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. The dough undergoes a double rise for perfect texture and is par-baked before adding toppings and finishing in the oven, resulting in a golden, flavorful pizza with a tender crumb and crispy edges.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 150 g sourdough discard (about 2/3 cup, 100% hydration)
  • 275 g warm water (about 1 cup + 2 tbsp, 95–105°F)
  • 25 g olive oil (about 2 tbsp)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 375 g all-purpose flour (about 3 cups)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (reduce slightly if using table salt)

For Pan and Topping Prep

  • 1–2 tablespoons butter (softened, for greasing the pan)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Garlic Butter (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove (grated or finely minced)
  • Pinch salt (optional)

Toppings

  • 283 g pizza sauce (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
  • Pepperoni slices (or other toppings of choice)

Instructions

  1. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, warm water, olive oil, honey, and instant yeast. Add the flour and salt, then stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in the bowl with a large spatula or dough scraper for 2–3 minutes until combined and slightly elastic.
  2. First rise: Cover the bowl and rest the dough in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until it becomes noticeably puffy and soft to the touch, indicating fermentation and fermentative gas build-up.
  3. Prepare the pan and shape dough: Generously butter a 9×13-inch nonstick pan and drizzle olive oil over it. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it toward the corners without tearing. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again as needed to fill the pan edges.
  4. Second rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise at room temperature for 60 minutes, or until the dough looks airy, jiggly, and has visibly puffed further.
  5. Preheat oven and prepare dough surface: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle additional olive oil over the dough surface and use your fingers to deeply dimple the dough all over. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Par-bake the crust: Bake the dough alone on the middle rack for 15–18 minutes, or until it is puffed and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly to set the crust before adding toppings.
  7. Optional garlic butter: While the crust cools, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil, stir in the grated garlic and a pinch of salt (if using), and let it infuse for a minute. Brush this flavorful mixture over the warm crust for extra aroma and richness.
  8. Add sauce and toppings: Spread the entire 283 g (1¼ cups) of pizza sauce evenly over the par-baked crust. Top with 200 g (about 2 cups) shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices or other toppings as desired.
  9. Bake the assembled pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has lightly golden edges. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Notes

  • Using sourdough discard adds tangy flavor and reduces waste from sourdough baking.
  • Ensure water is warm (95–105°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Adjust salt based on preference and type used (kosher or table salt).
  • The double rise yields a fluffy yet sturdy focaccia-like crust.
  • Par-baking the crust prevents sogginess from the sauce and toppings.
  • Optional garlic butter adds richness and aroma – can be skipped for a lighter pizza.
  • Feel free to customize toppings beyond pepperoni for variety.
  • Use a nonstick or well-greased pan to prevent sticking and ease removal.

Keywords: sourdough discard, focaccia pizza, homemade pizza, sourdough pizza dough, easy pizza recipe, pizza with sourdough, focaccia crust pizza

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/sourdough-discard-focaccia-pizza-recipe/