Description
Classic Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza
Ingredients:
1 pre-made pizza dough or crust
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pepperoni slices
1 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Optional: Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet. For a crispy crust, lightly brush the edges with olive oil.
Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges for the crust.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
Top It Off: Distribute the pepperoni slices and crumbled sausage evenly across the pizza.
Season: Sprinkle dried oregano and basil over the top for added flavor.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or as is!
Enjoy this savory, cheesy masterpiece! Let me know if you’d like more recipe ideas.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) with your pizza stone or baking sheet inside. This ensures a hot surface for a crispier crust. While it heats, roll your dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling. After spreading the sauce and adding cheese, arrange the pepperoni in a single layer, then sprinkle the cooked sausage in the gaps. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This classic pizza is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true Italian-American experience, serve with garlic knots or breadsticks. Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as ranch, garlic butter, or extra pizza sauce. For beverages, a chilled lager, a robust red wine, or sparkling water with lemon all make excellent companions.
How-to Summary
To quickly recap: Preheat oven and stone. Roll dough and place on parchment. Spread sauce, add cheese, top with meats and herbs. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool briefly, slice, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked?
No, always cook sausage thoroughly before adding it to the pizza. Raw sausage will not cook through in the short baking time and will release grease, making the pizza soggy.
How can I prevent a soggy crust?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated and use a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with too much sauce or wet toppings.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
You can pre-assemble the pizza on parchment paper, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. Add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
What’s the best cheese blend for this pizza?
While mozzarella is classic, combining it with a small amount of provolone or parmesan adds depth. Use 1.5 cups mozzarella and 0.5 cup of another cheese.
How do I get my pepperoni to curl and crisp?
Use thicker-cut pepperoni and place it on top of the cheese. The exposed edges will crisp up beautifully in the hot oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not preheating the oven and baking surface, resulting in a pale, soft crust.
- Using too much sauce, which makes the dough soggy. A thin, even layer is key.
- Overloading with cheese and toppings, which can lead to uneven cooking and a greasy pizza.
- Slicing the pizza immediately after baking, which causes the cheese and toppings to slide off. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Using cold dough straight from the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for easier stretching.
Conclusion
Mastering this Classic Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza is about honoring simple techniques: a properly preheated oven, balanced toppings, and careful assembly. It’s a reliably delicious crowd-pleaser that proves sometimes the classic combinations are the best. With this enhanced guide and tips, you’re equipped to create a truly exceptional homemade pizza that rivals any delivery. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!