Can You Freeze Sourdough Pizza Dough? How to Do it Right

Sourdough pizza is loved for its flavor and texture, but making it from scratch every time can be a hassle. The good news? You can freeze sourdough pizza dough for a quick and easy pizza night anytime!

Four images of sourdough pizza dough balls with the text "Can You Freeze Sourdough Pizza Dough" in a textbox in the middle.

Every Friday, my fiancé and I look forward to homemade pizza night. But after a busy week, I don't always feel like making the dough from scratch.

That’s when I wondered, can you freeze sourdough pizza dough? The answer is yes! And it’s so simple - just freeze the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then store them in a freezer-safe bag.

Now, whenever I make my sourdough discard pizza dough, I always make a double batch - one for the oven and one for the freezer. No matter how busy we are, we always have dough on hand for pizza, flatbreads, calzones, or even garlic knots.

Freezing dough has been a game changer for me. It saves me time and reduces sourdough discard waste.

So, if you want to make pizza night easier, keep reading to learn how to freeze sourdough pizza dough for your next homemade pizza!

Disclaimer: Some links throughout this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can learn more by visiting my Affiliate Disclosure Page.

Why Freeze Sourdough Pizza Dough?

Freezing sourdough pizza dough can make your life easier. Here are a few great reasons to do it:

Convenience- Having dough in the freezer means an easy weeknight dinner is always just a thaw away.
Save Time- Prep a big batch and freeze portions for future pizza nights.
Keeps Flavor & Texture- Freezing doesn’t change the dough’s taste or texture if done right.

Tips for Success

Start with the right recipe. Use a reliable dough recipe, like my sourdough discard pizza dough or whole wheat sourdough pizza dough, for the best results after freezing.
Avoid over-proofing. Leave a little room for fermentation as the dough thaws. Over-proofing before freezing can affect the rise when you're ready to bake.
Use a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freezing dough balls on parchment keeps them from sticking. Once frozen, they’re easy to transfer to bags or containers.
Label your dough. Always mark the date on your dough so you know how long it’s been in the freezer. For best quality, use it within 3 months.
Allow enough thawing time. While room temperature thawing works, letting the dough thaw slowly in the fridge overnight gives the best texture and flavor.

How to Freeze Sourdough Pizza Dough

Freezing sourdough pizza dough is a great way to have homemade dough ready whenever pizza cravings strike.

Here’s how to freeze sourdough pizza dough the right way:

Shape the Dough. After letting your dough rise, divide it into individual portions or balls, depending on how large you want your pizzas to be.
Freeze on a Baking Sheet. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re spaced apart so they don’t stick together. Freeze them until they’re solid, which usually takes about 2-3 hours.
Transfer to a Freezer Bag. Once the dough is frozen, transfer it to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label it with the date, so you know when it was frozen. Dough can be stored for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Thawing Your Frozen Sourdough Pizza Dough

Thawing frozen sourdough pizza dough is simple. Here’s how:

Best Results (Overnight in the Fridge)- Thawing the dough in the fridge overnight helps it maintain its structure a little better, making it easier to work with.
Quick Thaw (Room Temperature)- In a hurry? Let the dough sit on the counter at room temperature for 2-4 hours.

Once thawed, you can shape and bake as usual!

Two balls of sourdough discard pizza dough on a lightly floured wooden pizza peel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze sourdough discard pizza dough?

Absolutely! Sourdough discard pizza dough freezes just as well as dough made with an active starter. The flavor and texture will still be great once thawed.

Does freezing affect the flavor of the dough?

No! Freezing sourdough pizza dough preserves its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, as long as you follow the right steps.

Can I freeze sourdough pizza dough with toppings?

It's best to freeze just the dough. Adding toppings before freezing can affect the texture and make it soggy when baked.

Can you par-bake and freeze sourdough pizza dough?

While I haven’t tried this myself, you can par-bake pizza dough before freezing. Simply bake the dough without toppings at 450°F for about 5 minutes, until it’s set and looks pale and dry on top. Let it cool completely before freezing. When you're ready to use it, just add your toppings and bake as usual.

Two images of sourdough discard pizza dough. The top image is of the dough stretched out. The bottom images is of a sourdough pizza dough ball. Text overlaid on the image reads "Sourdough Pizza Dough Make Ahead. How to Freeze for Easy Meal Prep!"

Let's Connect!

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

A cover of a recipe ebook with the title "Everyday Sourdough: 27 Sweet & Savory Sourdough Discard Recipes." There is an image of sourdough discard cinnamon rolls on the front. At the bottom, it reads "By Ashley Petrie of Everyday Homemade."

Grab a copy today!

Are you tired of watching your sourdough discard go to waste?

It’s time to turn excess discard into something delicious with my new ebook - Everyday Sourdough!

Inside, you’ll find 27 tried-and-true sourdough discard recipes that will transform your leftover starter into mouthwatering creations your family and friends will love.

No more guilt about wasting your discard - with Everyday Sourdough, you have endless options to quickly make something amazing anytime.