Deluxe Recipe

Activate and mix

In a large bowl whisk warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let sit 3–5 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, flour, and salt.

Knead

Mix into a shaggy dough, then turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium-low for 5–6 minutes.

First rise

Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes or until doubled in size.

Prepare sauce

While the dough rises, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and meld flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.

Cook sausage

Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage (removed from casings and crumbled) and cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink. Break into small pieces with a spatula. Drain excess fat on paper towel.

Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet over medium-high heat add sliced mushrooms, green pepper, and onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté 4–6 minutes until vegetables are softened and lightly browned. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes during the last minute if using. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Preheat oven

Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. If your oven does not reach 500°F, preheat to the highest setting (450–475°F) and allow the stone to heat fully.

Shape dough

Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. For a 12–14 inch pizza, stretch or roll the dough into a 12–14 inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour.

Sauce and cheese

Spread an even layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.

Add toppings

Distribute cooked sausage evenly over the cheese. Arrange pepperoni slices on top, then scatter the sautéed mushrooms, green pepper, and onion. Add a light sprinkle of additional black pepper if desired.

Bake

Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake 8–12 minutes at 500°F (or 10–15 minutes at 450–475°F) until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Rotate halfway through baking for even color.

Finish

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice and serve hot.