Description
Homemade Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza
Ingredients:
1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cooked ground sausage
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough onto a floured surface. Transfer to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
3. Add Sauce: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Layer Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add cooked ground sausage and pepperoni slices.
5. Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the edges of the crust and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
6. Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure your oven rack is in the center position and preheat thoroughly. While it heats, roll your dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough on the pan for 3 minutes before adding toppings. When saucing, use the back of a spoon in a spiral motion for even coverage. Layer the cheese first, creating a barrier that prevents the sauce from making the dough soggy. Distribute sausage and pepperoni evenly, ensuring every slice gets a taste of both. The final bake is crucial; look for golden-brown cheese with small oil bubbles and a deeply colored crust.
Serving Suggestions
Let the pizza rest for 3-5 minutes after baking for cleaner slices. Serve alongside a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a fun appetizer, cut into small squares. A side of garlic butter dipping sauce or a bowl of warmed marinara for extra dipping elevates the experience. Pair with a chilled light beer or a sparkling soda.
How-to Summary
To make homemade pepperoni and sausage pizza: preheat oven to 475°F. Roll out dough and place on a prepared pan. Spread sauce, then layer cheese, cooked sausage, and pepperoni. Drizzle crust with oil, sprinkle with seasoning, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw sausage instead of cooked?
No, always pre-cook ground sausage. Raw sausage will not cook through in the short baking time and will release grease, making your pizza soggy.
How can I prevent a soggy pizza crust?
Pre-bake the dough for 3 minutes, avoid over-saucing, and ensure your toppings (like vegetables) are not too wet. Using a pizza stone or steel also helps.
What’s the best cheese blend for pizza?
While mozzarella is classic, blending in a small amount of provolone or parmesan adds depth and better browning.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
You can prep the dough and cook the sausage ahead. Assemble the pizza just before baking to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
My cheese burns before the crust is done. What should I do?
Lower your oven rack. If the top is still browning too fast, tent the pizza loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading toppings, which leads to a soggy, undercooked center.
- Not preheating the oven long enough, resulting in a pale, doughy crust.
- Using cold dough, which is difficult to stretch and can tear.
- Skipping the step of leaving a sauce border, which is essential for forming a proper crust.
- Cutting the pizza immediately after baking, causing the cheese to slide off.
Conclusion
Making a standout pepperoni and sausage pizza at home is about mastering a few key techniques: proper dough preparation, balanced topping distribution, and precise baking. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria’s. The process is rewarding, customizable, and guarantees a delicious, hot meal perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!