Deluxe Recipe

Preheat and prepare pizza surface

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or the highest setting and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack to heat for at least 30 minutes. Lightly dust a pizza peel or work surface with the all-purpose flour.

Shape dough

If using refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to relax. On the floured surface, stretch or roll the dough to a 12-inch round, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. Transfer dough to a sheet of parchment or a lightly floured pizza peel.

Brush the dough edge lightly with olive oil to promote browning during baking.

Add sauce

Spoon the pizza sauce into the center of the dough and use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust (about 3 tablespoons).

Add cheese

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauced surface, leaving the crust exposed. Optionally sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the cheese for extra savory flavor.

Prepare toppings

If your sausage is raw, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, then drain and crumble (use approximately 3 oz cooked). Slice the pepperoni, bell pepper, mushrooms, olives, and onion thinly. Drain any excess moisture from mushrooms and olives to avoid making the pizza soggy.

Arrange toppings

Distribute the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Scatter the cooked crumbled sausage across the pie. Arrange the sliced green peppers, mushrooms, black olives (about 1 tbsp sliced), and thin onion slices evenly so each slice will have a balance of toppings.

Season

Sprinkle the dried oregano evenly over the assembled pizza and add crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Bake

Carefully transfer the pizza (on parchment or peel) onto the preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. Oven times vary; check at 8 minutes and adjust as needed.

Rest and slice

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes to set the cheese. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into 8 slices, and serve hot.