Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza recipe brings together a flavorful combination of pepperoni, Italian sausage, and melted cheeses on a crispy homemade or store-bought dough base. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of chili flakes, this pizza is a satisfying and hearty meal suitable for pizza enthusiasts craving a classic meaty feast.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store bought)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
Cheese
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- 4 oz parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
Meats
- 8 pepperoni slices
- 1/4 lb spicy or mild Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper chili flakes (optional)
- Olive oil (for brushing crust edges)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven rack to the lower position and preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) to ensure a hot environment for a crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: If using refrigerated dough, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to stretch.
- Prepare Toppings: Cook and crumble the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Shred the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses using a grater.
- Shape Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch and shape the dough first into a 10-inch circle, then transfer to a baking sheet. Use your fingers to gently press it out to approximately a 12-inch circle, leaving the edges about ½ inch tall and wide to create a crust border.
- Brush Crust: Lightly brush olive oil along the crust edges to help achieve a crispier finish when baked.
- Add Toppings: Evenly spread pizza sauce over the dough base. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses atop the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices and crumbled sausage evenly. Finish by sprinkling Italian seasoning and red pepper chili flakes if using.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven on the lower rack and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and Serve: Remove pizza from oven, slice immediately, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If using refrigerated dough, allowing it to sit at room temperature is important to avoid tearing during stretching.
- For a spicier pizza, increase the amount of red pepper chili flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Use a pizza stone or baking steel for an even crispier crust, if available.
- Letting the pizza cool for a few minutes after baking helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
