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| Frozen Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe |
Frozen sourdough pizza dough recipe is the perfect solution for home bakers who want artisan-quality pizza anytime without starting from scratch. By preparing sourdough pizza dough in advance and freezing it correctly, you can enjoy the deep flavor, chewy texture, and crispy crust of sourdough pizza whenever the craving hits.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—from ingredients and fermentation to freezing, thawing, and baking—so your frozen dough performs just like fresh.
Why Freeze Sourdough Pizza Dough?
- Saves time on busy weeknights
- Improves flavor through slow fermentation
- Reduces food waste
- Perfect for meal prep and batch baking
- Delivers consistent pizza quality
Unlike commercial yeast dough, sourdough pizza dough develops complex flavor over time. Freezing preserves this flavor while pausing fermentation at its peak.
Ingredients for Frozen Sourdough Pizza Dough
Main Dough Ingredients
- 500g bread flour (high-protein flour recommended)
- 325g water (65% hydration)
- 100g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 10g fine sea salt
- 15g olive oil (optional, for softer crust)
Optional Add-Ins
- 5g honey or sugar (for browning)
- Herbs like oregano or rosemary (for flavored crust)
Step-by-Step Frozen Sourdough Pizza Dough Instructions
Step 1: Activate Your Sourdough Starter
Feed your sourdough starter 4–6 hours before mixing dough. It should be bubbly, doubled in size, and pass the float test.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and water. Mix until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
Add sourdough starter, salt, and olive oil. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 4–6 hours. Perform stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours.
Step 4: Divide and Shape
Divide the dough into 250g portions for individual pizzas. Shape each portion into a tight ball.
Step 5: Pre-Freeze Rest
Place dough balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for 12–24 hours. This step enhances flavor and dough strength.
How to Freeze Sourdough Pizza Dough (Correctly)
- Lightly coat dough balls with olive oil
- Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap
- Place wrapped dough in freezer-safe bags
- Label with date
Freezer shelf life: Up to 3 months for best quality.
How to Thaw Frozen Sourdough Pizza Dough
Best Method (Recommended)
Transfer dough from freezer to refrigerator for 12–24 hours. Then rest at room temperature for 2–3 hours before baking.
Quick Method
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow to thaw at room temperature for 4–5 hours.
How to Bake Pizza Using Frozen Sourdough Dough
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C)
- Use a pizza stone or steel for best results
- Stretch dough gently—do not roll
- Add sauce and toppings sparingly
- Bake for 7–10 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Freezing dough before fermentation
- Using weak or inactive starter
- Over-proofing before freezing
- Thawing dough too quickly with heat
Conclusion
This frozen sourdough pizza dough recipe gives you freedom, flexibility, and gourmet pizza at home anytime. With proper fermentation, freezing, and thawing techniques, your frozen dough will bake up beautifully—crispy, chewy, and full of sourdough flavor.
If you love homemade pizza, this method will change the way you cook forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sourdough pizza dough be frozen?
Yes. When frozen properly, sourdough pizza dough maintains excellent flavor and texture.
Does freezing kill sourdough yeast?
No. Freezing slows yeast activity but does not kill it.
How long does frozen sourdough pizza dough last?
Up to 3 months for best quality.
