Supreme Recipe

Pizza

1. 1

   Activate yeast

   In a small mixing bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F/43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

2. 2

   Make dough

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

3. 3

   Knead dough

   Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If too sticky, dust with a little flour; if too dry, wet a fingertip and rub it into the dough.

4. 4

   First rise

   Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 60–75 minutes.

5. 5

   Prepare toppings

   While dough rises, prep all toppings: rinse and slice bell peppers; slice red onion; slice black olives; crumble cooked Italian sausage; shred mozzarella; drain any excess liquid from the sauce if needed.

6. 6

   Preheat and ready workspace

   Preheat oven to 475–500°F (245–260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat. Lightly dust a baking sheet or parchment with cornmeal or flour for transfer.

7. 7

   Shape dough and par-bake

   Punch down the risen dough and divide into two equal portions for two pizzas. Roll each portion into a 12-inch round about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined sheet or preheated stone tray. Par-bake for 4–5 minutes until the crust looks set but not browned.

8. 8

   Assemble the pizzas

   Spread 1/2 cup of tomato sauce over each par-baked crust. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella over each crust. Top with crumbled sausage, sliced peppers, red onion, and olives. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper or Italian seasoning if desired.

9. 9

   Bake the pizzas

   Return pizzas to the oven and bake for 9–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly. Rotate halfway if your oven bakes unevenly.

10. 10

    Rest and serve

    Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Slice and serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.