#7 One Cheese Slice W/ 1 Topping Recipe

Preheat and prepare dough

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet placed on the middle rack for at least 30 minutes. Lightly dust a work surface with the all-purpose flour. Stretch or roll the prepared pizza dough into a 10–12 inch round, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper for easier transfer to the oven.

Mix the tomato pizza sauce, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. Using the back of a spoon, spread about 1/2 cup of the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch rim for the crust.

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauced dough so it forms a single, uniform cheese layer (this corresponds to the 'one cheese slice' coverage mentioned). Make sure cheese reaches close to the sauce edge but not over the crust.

Add a single topping of your choice, distributing it evenly across the cheese layer: - If using pepperoni: arrange 10–12 slices in overlapping circles. - If using mushrooms: scatter 1/2 cup thin slices evenly (pat dry first to avoid sogginess). - If using bell pepper: arrange 1/2 cup thin strips or rings. - If using red onion: scatter 1/4 cup thin slices. - If using cooked sausage: distribute 1/2 cup crumbled sausage. - If using black olives: scatter 1/4 cup sliced olives. Ensure the pizza only has one of these topping types.

Carefully slide the parchment with the prepared pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 7–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned in spots. Rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even color.

Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza. Let rest for 2 minutes, then slice into 6–8 pieces and serve hot.