Preparing Pizza Dough: Freezing for Fresh Sourdough Pizzas

Prep Ahead: How to Freeze Sourdough Pizza Dough for Perfect Pizzas

There’s something magical about sharing a homemade pizza with friends and family.

With my friend and her family coming over for some delicious sourdough pizza on Monday, I’m busy preparing the dough to ensure I have just enough for everyone. Plus, I'm whipping up some calzones for dinner while I'm at it! Here’s how I prepare and freeze my pizza dough for the perfect pizza night.

Why Freeze Pizza Dough?

Freezing pizza dough is a fantastic way to save time and enjoy freshly made pizza whenever you want. Here are a few benefits:

Convenience : Prepare your dough in advance and have it ready to go whenever a pizza craving strikes.

Freshness : Homemade dough tastes far superior to store-bought options, and freezing preserves its flavor and texture.

Versatility : Use the dough for pizzas, calzones, or even breadsticks—perfect for any occasion!

Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

- 500g bread flour (about 4 cups)

- 350g water (about 1 ½ cups), room temperature

- 100g active sourdough starter

- 10g salt (about 1 ¾ teaspoons)

- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough :

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and water. Stir until no dry flour remains. Let it rest for about 30 minutes (this is called the autolyse).

2. Add Starter and Salt :

- After the autolyse, add the active sourdough starter and salt to the dough. Mix until fully incorporated.

3. Knead the Dough :

- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.

4. First Rise :

- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Portion and Shape :

- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into portions (typically 2-4, depending on how large you want your pizzas) and shape each portion into a ball.

6. Freezing the Dough :

- To freeze the dough, place each ball in a lightly greased freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date and type of dough. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

7. For Immediate Use :

- If you plan to use the dough right away, let it rise for an additional 30-60 minutes until it puffs up again before rolling it out.

Related: The Art of Homemade Bread: A Recipe for Warmth and Nourishment

Making Calzones for Dinner

While my pizza dough is rising, I’m also preparing some calzones for dinner. Here's a simple filling you can use:

Calzone Filling Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup ricotta cheese

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional)

- 1/2 cup sautéed spinach or other vegetables

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Pizza sauce for dipping

Recipe: Preserving Freshness: The Ultimate Guide to Canning Bread

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Mix the Filling : In a bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sausage (if using), and sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Calzones : Roll out a portion of your pizza dough into a circle. Place a generous amount of filling on one half of the circle, fold the other half over, and seal the edges with a fork.

Similar: Mastering the Art of Artisan Bread: A Simple and Addictive Recipe

4. Bake : Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Serve : Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving with pizza sauce for dipping.

Preparing and freezing pizza dough is an easy way to ensure you have everything ready for a fantastic pizza night with friends and family.

With homemade sourdough pizza dough and delicious calzones, you’re set for a memorable meal. Enjoy the process of making and sharing your creations, and watch as everyone delights in the fresh flavors of your homemade pizzas!