All you ever wanted to know about… Sourdough | | | September is here, and for pizza and bread lovers, that means it's time to embrace the magic of sourdough! Join us for Sourdough September—start a sourdough starter (don’t forget to give it a fun name, that’s a requirement!) or take your skills to the next level.
Here are our top frequently asked questions and useful links! | | | Can anyone even tell the difference between a sourdough pizza and a non-sourdough pizza? | | | | | Yeah, definitely. Your crusts will have a tangier flavor, a chewier and more substantial bite, and it will be easier to digest, too, thanks to the fermentation process breaking down some of the gluten and starches in the dough. | | | | | | How do you get started with sourdough? | | | | | First, you make a sourdough starter by mixing flour and water in a glass jar, letting it ferment for a while, and “feeding” it. If you know someone who already has a starter, you can ask for a bit of theirs to “grow” your own, too. See step-by-step instructions here. | | | | | | I forgot about my starter and didn't feed it, is it dead? | | | | | Starters can be very resilient - if it was left in the fridge it may still be alive, just dormant. Try feeding it and seeing if bubbles form. If it was left on the counter for a long time and there are no bubbles, it may be dead. Time to start over! More info here. | | | | | | What happens if I let sourdough rise too long? | | | | | That’s called overproofing, and it can lead to a dough that’s too sour or even collapsed. To know if your dough is still good, use the poke test—if the dough springs back slowly, it’s good. If not, reball and wait for it to rise again. Avoid overproofing with these guidelines. | | | | | | Can I leave my sourdough to rise overnight? | | | | | Overnight rises are a popular technique for sourdough pizza or bread dough, allowing the flavors to develop fully. However, the key is controlling the temperature. A cooler environment, like your fridge, will slow down the fermentation, making sure your dough is perfectly proofed and develops more flavor. It will be ready for a quick stretch and bake in your Ooni oven the next day. Sourdough pizza recipe here! | | | | | | How can I make my sourdough pizza dough rise properly? | | | | | An active sourdough starter is essential to a good rise. Make sure your starter is bubbly and ready to go before mixing your dough. If it needs a nudge, you can even add a little conventional yeast to give it a hand! Also ensure your dough gets enough bulk fermentation time for proper gluten development. | | | | | | What should I cover bread dough (or pizza dough) with while it’s rising? | | | | | To keep your dough soft and hydrated, cover it with a damp cloth, plastic wrap, or a reusable cover. This is especially important for pizza dough, as it ensures that your crust will be easy to work with and won’t dry out before hitting the high heat of your Ooni oven. For best results, we recommend the Ooni Dough Box, or Ooni Stack. | | | | | | I know how to make a sourdough pizza, how can I take my knowledge to the next level? | | | | | There’s so much you can try! For example, experimenting with fermentation times, hydration, and flour blends. You could also try mastering advanced techniques like autolyse and dough lamination. | | | |
Knead and Succeed:
The Ooni Gear You Need |  | Ooni Pizza Bench Scraper | Designed to help you move and divide the dough, and clean your bench! | | | | |  | Ooni Pizza Dough Boxes | Perfect to protect your dough balls, and they fit in the fridge! | | | | |  | Ooni Cast Iron Skillet Pan | Excellent for round bread loaves. | | | | | | | | | | |
