Badda Bing Recipe

Activate yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand on a floured surface or with the mixer for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape

Punch down the dough and divide if making two smaller pizzas (this recipe makes one large 14–16" pizza or two medium). Let rest 10 minutes, then stretch or roll to desired shape on a surface dusted with cornmeal or flour.

Prepare sauce while dough rises: In a small skillet, warm 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Mince or crush garlic and sauté briefly (30 seconds) until fragrant; do not brown. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently 8–10 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Cook sausage

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, crumble Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Prepare vegetables

In the same skillet, add 1 teaspoon olive oil if needed. Sauté sliced green peppers, onions, and mushrooms over medium heat until softened and just starting to brown, about 4–6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and the red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and drain any excess moisture.

Assemble: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) and, if using, place a pizza stone on the middle rack. If using a baking sheet, lightly oil or sprinkle with cornmeal. Spread a thin, even layer of prepared tomato sauce over the stretched dough leaving a 1/2" border for the crust. Sprinkle 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Distribute cooked Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, sliced mushrooms, and then arrange pepperoni slices on top. Finish with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and the grated Parmesan.

Transfer assembled pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake 8–12 minutes at 500°F (260°C) until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Baking time will vary with oven and thickness of dough—watch after 7 minutes.

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley if using. Slice and serve warm.