Name: Luigi's Pizza & Pastas Combo Pizza Recipe
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp instant dry yeast; 1 tsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp fine salt; 1 cups warm water; 1 tbs olive oil; 1 cups tomato pizza sauce; 0.25 cups crushed tomatoes (optional to thin); 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp dried basil; 0.25 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 tsp salt; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed; 12 slices pepperoni, sliced; 6 slices salami, thinly sliced; 1 cups mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup red or green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 tbs olive oil (for sautéing); 0.25 tsp salt (for vegetables); 0.125 tsp black pepper (for vegetables); 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbs cornmeal or flour (for dusting); 6 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional, for serving); 1 tsp olive oil (drizzle)

Method

Dough

Make the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar and instant yeast. Stir and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add the olive oil, flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium for 4–5 minutes.

First rise

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60–75 minutes. Punch down and shape into a ball. For a quick pizza, you can refrigerate for up to 24 hours to develop flavor; bring to room temperature before using.

Sauce & Cheese

Prepare sauce

In a small bowl mix the tomato pizza sauce with crushed tomatoes if you want a thinner consistency. Stir in oregano, basil, garlic powder and 1/4 tsp salt. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep at room temperature.

Cheese readiness

Measure and have shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan ready to top the pizza.

Toppings

Cook sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage (removed from casings) and break up with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Sauté over medium-high heat 3–4 minutes until softened and excess moisture evaporates. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare cured meats

Have pepperoni and salami slices ready. If you prefer slightly crisp pepperoni, you can place slices on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 4–6 minutes before assembling to render some fat and crisp edges.

Assembly & Bake

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 doesn't reach 500°F, set to the highest temperature available (450–500°F).

Shape dough

On a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment dusted with cornmeal, press and stretch the dough ball into a 12-inch round (or desired thickness). Create a slightly thicker edge for the crust.

Add sauce and cheese

Spread about 1 cup of the prepared sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the rim bare. Sprinkle 2 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly, reserving about 1/2 cup for after initial toppings if desired. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the cheese.

Add toppings

Distribute the cooked Italian sausage evenly over the cheese. Arrange pepperoni and salami slices on top, then scatter the sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. If using, sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.

Bake

Carefully transfer the assembled pizza on the parchment to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. If using a lower temp, bake 10–14 minutes.

Finish

Remove pizza from oven. Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over the crust and scatter fresh basil leaves. Let rest 2–3 minutes before slicing to let cheese set. Slice into 8 pieces and serve.