Mario's Special Recipe

preheat and prepare dough

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the 1 lb pizza dough into a 12-inch round (or rectangular to fit your pan). Transfer the shaped dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet. Brush the surface of the dough lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread 3 tablespoons tomato pizza sauce evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch rim.

Smear the minced garlic (1 tsp) thinly over the sauced surface so the garlic is distributed but not clumped.

Evenly sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella over the sauced dough, covering to the edge of the sauce but not the rim. Scatter 2 tablespoons grated parmesan over the mozzarella for added flavor and browning.

prepare toppings

In a medium skillet over medium heat, add a light drizzle (about 1 teaspoon) of olive oil. Add the sliced garlic sausage (8 oz) and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until edges begin to brown. Remove sausage to a plate. In the same skillet add the sliced mushrooms (1 cup), sliced onion (1/2 cup), and sliced green pepper (1/2 cup). Sauté 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened and mushrooms release their moisture. Season the vegetables with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper while cooking. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss with vegetables for 30 seconds to combine; remove from heat.

Distribute the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes across the top for aroma and mild heat.

Bake on the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for 10–13 minutes, rotating once halfway through, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.

Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan if desired, slice into 8 pieces, and serve hot.