Sep 09 2026

Pizzeoli Recipe

Time2h
Serves6

Make Pizzeoli Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Activate yeast

    In a small bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast and sugar over the warm water (105–115°F / 40–46°C). Let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, discard and use fresh yeast.

  2. 2

    Mix dough

    In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook), combine the flour and salt. Make a well, add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead in the mixer on low for 6–8 minutes. If dough is sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

  4. 4

    First rise

    Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled, about 1 to 1¼ hours.

  5. 5

    Divide and rest

    Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal portions (about 6–7 ounces each) for individual pizzeoli. Shape into balls, place on a lightly oiled tray, cover, and let rest 15–20 minutes.

Filling / Topping

  1. 6

    Prepare cheese mixture

    In a bowl combine ricotta, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (reserve remaining ½ cup for topping), grated Parmesan, chopped basil, minced garlic, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  2. 7

    Cook sausage

    If your sausage is raw, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat and let cool slightly. If using pre-cooked sausage, crumble or slice as desired.

  3. 8

    Prepare sauce

    Warm the marinara gently in a small saucepan with red pepper flakes for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors. Keep warm but not boiling.

Assembly & Baking

  1. 9

    Preheat oven and prep pans

    Set the oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat. Lightly dust baking sheets or a peel with cornmeal or semolina.

  2. 10

    Roll out dough

    On a lightly floured surface, press one dough ball into a 6–7 inch circle. Stretch to form a thin disk with a slightly thicker rim, leaving space for filling. Repeat with remaining dough balls as you assemble.

  3. 11

    Fill

    Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the warm marinara into the center of each disk. Top with 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta-mozzarella-Parmesan mixture, spreading slightly but leaving a border. Add about 1–2 tablespoons crumbled sausage on top of the cheese mixture.

  4. 12

    Seal and shape

    Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon or pocket (like a calzone) and crimp the edges to seal tightly. Alternatively, roll the edges over and pinch to form a braided seam. Ensure there are no large gaps.

  5. 13

    Top and brush

    Place sealed pizzeoli seam-side down on the prepared pan. Brush lightly with olive oil (or optional beaten egg for a glossy finish). Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella on top of each (or distribute evenly across all).

  6. 14

    Bake

    Bake on the preheated stone or baking sheet for 12–16 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Rotate pans halfway through for even browning.

  7. 15

    Finish

    Remove from oven and let cool 3–5 minutes. Brush with a little extra-virgin olive oil and scatter a few extra chopped basil leaves if desired. Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.

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