Pizza is a universally loved food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. In this blog post, we will explore a pizza recipe that uses sourdough starter dough, homemade pizza sauce, and burrata cheese. This pizza recipe is sure to become a favorite among your friends and family, combining the tangy flavor of sourdough with the rich, creamy flavor of burrata cheese.
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Table of Contents
- What is a Sourdough Starter?
- What is Burrata?
- Toppings
- Burrata Sourdough Pizza Tips
- How to Make Burrata Sourdough Pizza
- Burrata Sourdough Pizza Conclusion
What is a Sourdough Starter?
A sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and beneficial bacteria from the environment. It is used as a natural leavening agent in sourdough bread baking. The wild yeast and bacteria present in the starter ferment the carbohydrates in the flour, producing carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise. The fermentation process also imparts a unique tangy flavor to the bread, giving sourdough its characteristic taste. Sourdough starters can be nurtured and maintained over time, making them a traditional and versatile method for baking delicious, naturally leavened bread.
If you don’t already have a sourdough starter, you can make one with my recipe here.
What is Burrata?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese known for its creamy, luscious texture and rich flavor. It belongs to the same family as mozzarella but has a unique composition. The cheese is made from mozzarella curds that are formed into a pouch-like shape and filled with a mixture of cream and soft, stringy curd called “stracciatella.” The name “burrata” actually means “buttered” in Italian, which perfectly describes its velvety and buttery consistency.
When you cut into a burrata, the creamy center spills out, creating a delightful contrast with the outer mozzarella layer. It is best served fresh and is often paired with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to make a delicious Caprese salad or as an appetizer on its own. Burrata has gained popularity worldwide due to its indulgent texture and versatility in various culinary applications.
Toppings
To take this recipe to the next level, try adding other toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage to create your own unique flavor profile. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina, to create a different flavor and texture.
Burrata Sourdough Pizza Tips
A Note About Burrata
Due to the moisture content in burrata, it is best to bake the pizza first with the crust, pizza sauce, and toppings and then add the burrata during the last few minutes of bake time. If you cook the pizza with the burrata for the whole cooking time, your pizza will be watery.
Freezing
If you aren’t going to eat both pizzas right away, you can cook one pizza now and save one crust for later by freezing it. Instructions for freezing the dough are added in the recipe notes.
How to Make Burrata Sourdough Pizza
This burrata sourdough pizza recipe is a great choice for anyone who loves the tangy flavor of sourdough and the rich creaminess of burrata cheese. The homemade pizza sauce adds a depth of flavor and complexity to the pizza that cannot be achieved with store-bought sauce. Additionally, the combination of cherry tomatoes, basil, and olive oil adds a burst of flavor and color to the pizza.
Ingredients
- Sourdough Pizza Dough
1 cup active sourdough starter
2 cups whole-wheat all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup warm water
- Pizza Sauce
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sugar (or sugar substitute)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Toppings
16 ounces burrata, cut into thin slices
Fresh basil leaves, torn
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Olive oil, to taste
Directions
- Sourdough Pizza Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix them together until well combined.
- Add the olive oil and warm water to the bowl. Mix the ingredients until they come together to form a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour as needed.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 4-6 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size. The exact time may vary depending on the temperature and activity of your sourdough starter.
- Pizza Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to incorporate the seasonings into the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, sugar, or herbs according to your preference.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pizza sauce cool before using it on your pizza. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Assembling and Cooking Pizzas
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles, then transfer it back to a lightly floured surface.
- Preheat your oven to 450 (190°C).
- Cut dough in half to form two crusts. Roll out the dough into a round shape of desired thickness. Alternatively, you can shape and stretch the dough with your hands.
- Place the rolled-out dough onto a pizza stone, baking sheet, or pizza peel lined with parchment paper.
- Add pizza sauce and cherry tomatoes.
- Carefully transfer the topped pizza onto the preheated baking surface and place it in the oven.
- Bake for approximately 20-minutes or until the crust is golden.
- Remove the pizza from the oven. Add burrata to the pizza and return to the oven. Bake for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add fresh basil to the pizza and then drizzle olive oil on top. Slice the pizza and serve.
Notes
- To freeze pizza dough:Â Once pizza dough is shaped, bake pizza dough in a 450-degree preheated oven for 5-minutes. Once cooled, you can stack them in an airtight container or plastic bag with parchment paper between each crust and freeze for up to two months.
- If you don’t want to use burrata, you can substitute 2-cups of mozzarella cheese per pizza.
Burrata Sourdough Pizza Conclusion
In conclusion, this sourdough pizza recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tangy sourdough, homemade pizza sauce, and creamy burrata cheese is sure to please any palate. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this delicious pizza.
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