easy soudough focaccia pizza

Hi friends! I’m so excited to share this easy and delicious pizza recipe with you. It’s the kind of meal that fits every season—light enough for warm summer nights, yet cozy and comforting for crisp fall evenings. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this pizza is always a good idea!

Pizza dough:

• 90g active sourdough starter (feed starter 2-3 hours before mixing)
• 320g warm water
• 400g bread flour
• 12g salt

Tomato sauce:

1 qt fresh summer tomatoes (rough chopped)

2-3 tsp kosher salt

0.5 tsp red pepper flakes 

1 tsp dried oregano 

3 cloves garlic, minced 

Optional* 2-3 small pieces of Parmesan rind 

Toppings:

8 oz shredded mozzarella

Fresh Parmesan (to grate after baking)

To make the sauce: Add all ingredients to a large pot, bring to a simmer and cook on medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes. Blend with immersion blender and let cool.

To Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the water and starter, mixing gently with a fork or dough whisk. Add the flour and salt, then stir until just combined. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. After this initial rest, perform a coil fold, then let it rest for another 30 minutes. Repeat the coil folds 4 to 6 times—I usually do at least 4. Be sure to keep your dough in a warm spot during this process!

Once your dough feels strong and has nearly doubled in size, transfer it to a 12″ pizza pan generously coated with olive oil—don’t skimp on the oil, or your pizza might stick! Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan. If it resists stretching, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for another 30 minutes. When the dough fits the pan, drizzle more olive oil on top and gently press (stipple) the surface with your fingers. Then add your tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and any toppings you love! I love to add homemade bacon and Parmesan!

Bake the pizza at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 minutes. Be sure to check the bottom of the crust—once it’s a beautiful golden brown, your pizza is ready to come out of the oven! Enjoy!