Mazzio's Buffet Pizza Multi Topping: Bacon Recipe

Activate & mix dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar and salt. Make a well and add the warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C) and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium for 4–5 minutes). The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add up to 1–2 tbsp flour if too sticky.

First rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough in it, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45–60 minutes.

Shape

Gently punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Press and stretch or roll into a 12-inch round, leaving a slightly thicker rim for the crust. If using a pizza pan, sprinkle the pan with cornmeal/semolina and transfer the dough onto it.

Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside if available. If your oven doesn't reach 500°F, set it to the highest temperature and preheat thoroughly.

Make sauce

In a small bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, pepper and olive oil. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning. Use about 3/4 to 1 cup of sauce for this 12" pizza depending on preferred sauciness.

Cook bacon

If bacon is not already cooked, preheat a skillet over medium heat and cook sliced bacon until crisp, turning as needed. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into small pieces. Allow to cool completely so it does not release excess grease on the pizza (about 5–10 minutes).

Assemble pizza

Brush the shaped dough lightly with 1 tsp olive oil. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2" crust edge. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Scatter chopped cooked bacon across the cheese (use about 3/4 cup). If preparing buffet-style multi-topping slices, add optional pepperoni, mushrooms and bell pepper in desired sections to create variety.

Season

Sprinkle grated parmesan, dried oregano and red pepper flakes evenly over the top for extra flavor.

Bake

Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet (use a pizza peel or the back of a sheet pan). Bake at 500°F (or highest oven setting) for 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Rotate halfway through for even browning.

Rest & slice

Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest 3–5 minutes to set the cheese. Slice into 8 slices for buffet portions. If holding for a buffet, place on a warming rack over a sheet pan to keep slightly crisp without becoming soggy.