4 Topping Pizza Recipe
Includes choice of base sauce and mozzarella cheese.
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Ingredients
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Dough & Base
Sauce (choose one)
Cheese
Toppings (pick up to 4)
Finishing
Method
Dough & Oven Prep
- 1
preheat and prepare
Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet on the middle rack for at least 30 minutes. If using a home oven that doesn't reach 500°F, preheat to the highest temperature available. Lightly dust a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet with cornmeal or semolina.
- 2
If dough is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes so it's easier to stretch. Brush the surface of the dough lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to help form a crisp, golden crust.
Assemble Pizza
- 3
shape dough
On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 12-inch circle (about 1/4-inch thick). Transfer the shaped dough to the prepared pizza peel or oiled baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- 4
apply sauce
Spread your chosen base sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch rim for the crust. Use about 3 tablespoons of sauce total. If you're using pesto or white garlic sauce, apply the same amount in an even layer.
- 5
add cheese
Scatter 1 3/4 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan over the top if using.
- 6
arrange toppings
Distribute up to four chosen toppings evenly over the cheese (for example: 20 pepperoni slices, 3 oz sliced mushrooms, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup thinly sliced bell pepper). Make sure toppings are distributed in a single layer so the pizza cooks evenly; use cooked sausage if selecting sausage.
Bake
- 7
bake the pizza
Slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 8–12 minutes, rotating once halfway through, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. If using a lower-temperature oven, bake 12–18 minutes and watch closely for browning.
Finish & Serve
- 8
finish
Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Immediately sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste), and the torn fresh basil leaves if using. Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over the top and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Let rest 2–3 minutes before slicing.
- 9
Slice into 6–8 slices and serve hot.