Supreme Pizza Recipe

Activate and mix

In a large bowl, whisk warm water (about 105–115°F) with sugar and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of the flour; stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining 1 cup flour and mix until dough pulls away from the sides.

Knead

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough is very sticky, add up to 2 more tablespoons flour.

First rise

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

While dough rises, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Stir and simmer gently 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Prepare sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage (removed from casing) and break into small pieces. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add sliced onions, green pepper, and mushrooms. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper and cook 4–6 minutes until vegetables are softened and any mushroom liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Cheese and pepperoni

Shred the mozzarella and grate the parmesan. Keep pepperoni slices ready.

Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. If using a baking sheet, lightly oil it or dust with cornmeal.

Punch down risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch dough into a 12–14 inch round (about 1/4 inch thick). Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour.

Spread an even layer (about 3/4 to 1 cup) of prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.

Distribute browned sausage evenly over the cheese, followed by sautéed vegetables, sliced pepperoni, and the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle grated parmesan and red pepper flakes evenly over the top.

Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake 10–12 minutes, rotating once halfway through, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

If desired, broil for 30–60 seconds to achieve extra browning—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 3–5 minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top if using, slice, and serve.