I still remember the moment I nailed my first Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza—and it literally changed my snack game forever. After juggling a flourishing sourdough starter, I had a pile of discard that felt too good to toss. Inspired by the magic of focaccia and the crispy joy of pizza, I wondered: what if I could combine the two with my sourdough discard? That curiosity turned into a bit of a kitchen adventure, blending the tangy sourdough notes with soft, pillowy focaccia soaked in olive oil and topped with all the good stuff.
This particular Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza hits all the right notes. You get a crispy sourdough focaccia base crispy on the edges but airy inside, the subtle tang of the discard adding that little zing, and the toppings—oh, the toppings! Each bite bursts with flavor, carrying hints of rosemary, garlic, and that golden crust you dream about. It’s like every flavor in my kitchen had a joyful dance party on one sheet pan.
What I love most about this version of sourdough discard focaccia pizza is how approachable it feels. No fancy gear or hours of waiting. It embraces pantry staples and welcomes creativity. Trust me, making this sourdough discard focaccia pizza is a wonderful way to give your sourdough discard new life while feeding your food-loving soul. So, if you’re ready for a flavorful, fun project that brings bold tastes right to your table, come on in—let’s take this sourdough discard focaccia pizza for a spin.
Gather These Ingredients:
This Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza comes together with pantry staples and a few flavor heroes that make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature) – This is your flavor powerhouse and the secret behind that tangy, airy focaccia crust.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Look for high-quality flour in your local market or the baking aisle to get the best dough texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt – A must for balancing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Helps with browning and that slight caramelized edge we adore.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast – Yes, even with sourdough discard, a bit of yeast gives your focaccia that lovely rise.
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F) – This wakes up the yeast and hydrates the dough.
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling – This ingredient brings that signature richness and crispiness to your sourdough discard focaccia pizza.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs – Adds that herby punch I’ve come to love in my homemade focaccia pizza with sourdough discard.
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling – The finishing touch for a perfect bite.
Want to switch things up in your sourdough discard focaccia pizza? Try adding minced garlic to the dough or swapping rosemary for thyme or oregano. If you’re low on all-purpose flour, bread flour works beautifully too for an even chewier focaccia base. When searching for olive oil, go for a fruity extra virgin option – it really shines in this recipe. If you want to save time, you can even prepare the dough in your mixer with a dough hook, but hand-mixing keeps it fun and tactile. I always reach for well-fed discard for the best flavor punch, but even discard straight from the fridge works if you let it warm slightly.
Let’s Make This Happen!
Ready for some hands-on fun with your sourdough discard focaccia pizza? Here’s the step-by-step guide to nailing that crispy sourdough focaccia base and toppings. This entire process takes about 2 to 3 hours, but much of that time is hands-off, letting your dough rise and develop.
1. Activate the yeast and mix the base dough
Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes till it bubbles up. This wakes your yeast and ensures lively dough. Then add your sourdough discard focaccia pizza hero ingredient – the sourdough discard, followed by olive oil and salt. Gradually stir in flour until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead for bounce and elasticity
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens for that perfect chewy yet airy focaccia texture. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle flour a bit at a time, but keep it soft.
3. First rise – patience pays off
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. This sourdough discard focaccia pizza dough loves its cozy environment. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, prep your toppings or daydream about that first crispy bite.
4. Shape and second rise
Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a well-oiled sheet pan. Press it out with your fingers into a rustic rectangle – don’t worry about perfection! For that crispy sourdough focaccia base, dimple the dough with your fingertips all over. This helps pockets of olive oil and air develop. Sprinkle fresh rosemary sprigs and coarse sea salt over the top. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes while your oven heats to 450°F.
5. Drizzle and bake
Before slipping your sourdough discard focaccia pizza into the oven, generously drizzle olive oil all over the top. This creates that golden, crisp crust I crave. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are bronzed and you can smell pure deliciousness filling your kitchen.
6. Top it and finish
Once out of the oven, add your favorite toppings – fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, or even a swirl of honey ricotta for a fun twist. Pop it back into the oven for a few minutes if you want melted cheese. This step transforms your crispy sourdough focaccia base into a mouthwatering sourdough discard bread pizza masterpiece.
If your sourdough discard focaccia pizza seems dense or flat, it might mean the yeast wasn’t active enough or the dough needed a bit more time to rise. Just give it some patience next round – your kitchen-tested tricks will pay off.
This step-by-step really highlights why homemade focaccia pizza with sourdough discard is fun and rewarding. And if you want a slightly different style, check out this version from Artful Homemaking or the take on sourdough focaccia pizza by Amy Bakes Bread for more flavor inspiration.
Serving Ideas & Pairings!

Now that your sourdough discard focaccia pizza is golden and ready, how do you dig in? This recipe shines best when paired with simple, fresh sides that keep the spotlight on that crispy focaccia flavor.
My favorite way to serve this sourdough discard focaccia pizza is with a big leafy salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. The brightness cuts through the richness and keeps things balanced. Roasted veggies or marinated olives on the side also bring out the Mediterranean vibes.
This sourdough discard focaccia pizza is a crowd favorite at casual weekend dinners or when friends drop by. Slice it into big squares and serve on a wooden board with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for extra flair. Leftovers? Toasted up a day later, they still have that crispy charm and can be a fantastic quick lunch with a smear of pesto or spread of ricotta.
For variation, I’ve played around with seasonal toppings – think fig and prosciutto in fall, or fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and burrata in summer. Each twist keeps the recipe feeling fresh and fun.
If you want a richer version, try layering with my honey ricotta pizza recipe for a sweet-savory spin—check it out here at MilaBites for another flavor-packed adventure. Or explore ideas like a sourdough discard bread pizza style with more rustic toppings as shared by the folks at The Spiffy Cookie.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Q: Can I prep this sourdough discard focaccia pizza in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can mix the dough the night before and let it bulk ferment in the fridge overnight. Just bring it up to room temperature before shaping and the second rise. This slow rise actually deepens the flavor—bonus!
Q: What can I use instead of instant yeast in this sourdough discard focaccia pizza?
A: You can try omitting yeast and relying on just the sourdough discard but expect a longer, slower rise and a denser texture. I love how a little yeast gives a reliable rise every time, especially in this easy sourdough discard focaccia recipe.
Q: How do I scale this sourdough discard focaccia pizza recipe up or down?
A: Simply adjust ingredients proportionally! Recipe testing taught me that keeping the hydration balanced is key, so match the water to flour ratio carefully as you scale. Feel free to make mini focaccia pizzas too—that’s fun for gatherings.
Q: Can I freeze the dough or leftover sourdough discard focaccia pizza?
A: Dough freezes well before the first rise—just thaw and rise as usual. Leftover focaccia pizza also freezes; just warm it under foil in the oven to revive crispiness.
Q: What’s the secret to a crispy sourdough focaccia base?
A: Lots of olive oil, fingertip dimpling, and a hot oven! These tricks create the pockets and browning that make edges beautifully crisp.
Q: Can I swap out the rosemary for other herbs?
A: Definitely! Thyme, oregano, or even fresh basil after baking work fantastic. I love experimenting and switching up flavors.
Q: Is sourdough discard pizza dough different from regular pizza dough?
A: Yes! The discard adds tang and subtle complexity, and focaccia dough tends to be wetter and airier than typical pizza dough. It’s a fun twist that makes this recipe special.
I’m always brainstorming tweaks, so if you want more details, Amy Bakes Bread’s sourdough focaccia pizza and The Spiffy Cookie’s version offer fantastic insights.
My Final Take
This sourdough discard focaccia pizza recipe earned a permanent spot on MilaBites because it turns kitchen scraps into a delicious, comforting meal that invites creativity. It’s quirky, it’s fluffy and crispy all at once, and it always brings smiles around the table.
My Top Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza Tips:
– Use well-fed discard to maximize flavor and rise.
– Don’t rush the dimpling step—those finger holes make texture magic.
– Generously drizzle olive oil before baking for unbeatable crust.
Over the recipe testing adventures, I’ve loved trying flavor variations like:
– Caramelized onion and goat cheese.
– Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
– Fig, prosciutto, and a honey drizzle for a sweet twist.
The most compliments come when I keep it simple with rosemary and sea salt—the classics never fail to impress.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Play with toppings, experiment with herbs, and share the joy of a crispy sourdough focaccia base with your favorite people. This sourdough discard focaccia pizza is more than a recipe; it’s a welcome invitation to a warm, flavor-packed kitchen party.
If you love this, peek at other fun recipes like the jam donut focaccia treat that’s irresistible or the honey ricotta pizza from MilaBites for more tasty inspiration. And for a deeper dive into sourdough discard focaccia pizza, you can find wonderful takes at Artful Homemaking and beyond.
You’ve got this—let’s get baking and make your sourdough discard focaccia pizza the next crowd-pleaser in your kitchen!
Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza
This Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza combines the tangy flavor of sourdough discard with a light, airy focaccia crust topped with fresh herbs and melted cheese for a delicious homemade pizza experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Optional toppings: sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes until slightly bubbly.
- Add flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it out to fit, creating dimples with your fingers.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt on top.
- Bake the focaccia base for 12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and spread marinara sauce evenly over the surface.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and optional toppings.
- Return to oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, brush the focaccia pizza crust with garlic-infused olive oil before adding toppings. Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.