Meat Lovers Recipe
Make Meat Lovers Recipe in just 1h 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Sauce
Meats & Toppings
Method
Dough
- 1
Activate yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C) with sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
Make dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well, add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6–7 minutes.
- 4
First rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1¼ hours.
- 5
Deflate and rest
Punch down the risen dough, turn it onto a floured surface, shape into a ball and let rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Sauce
- 6
Prepare sauce
In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer gently 8–10 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Meats & Toppings
- 7
Prepare meats
If your sausage and bacon aren't yet cooked, cook them now: brown crumbled Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through, drain excess fat; cook bacon until crisp and chop. Slice pepperoni and ham if needed. Allow toppings to cool slightly.
- 8
Shape and top pizza
Dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal or flour. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 12–14 inch round (for two 12" pizzas, divide dough in half). Transfer dough to the prepared peel or sheet. Spread an even layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle 2 to 2½ cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Distribute pepperoni, crumbled sausage, chopped bacon and ham evenly. Finish with grated parmesan and chopped parsley if using.
- 9
Bake
Slide pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 10–14 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. If baking two pizzas, rotate halfway and bake 12–16 minutes.
- 10
Rest and serve
Remove pizza from oven and let rest 3–5 minutes to let cheese set. Slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.