Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza

My grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband and me and our family.

Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza

Average Rating: 4.826086

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 30 min. + standing
YIELD: 8 slices.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 2/3 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1-3/4 to 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, basil and marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion salt

  • TOPPINGS:
  • 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 medium green peppers, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon each dried oregano, basil and marjoram
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained
  • 2 ounces sliced pepperoni

Instructions

  • 1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1 cup flour, oil and crust seasonings; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  • 2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • 3. Punch dough down; roll out into a 15-in. circle. Transfer to a well-greased 12-in. heavy ovenproof skillet or round baking pan, letting crust drape over edges. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
  • 4. In a skillet, saute the green peppers, onion and topping seasonings in oil until tender; drain. Layer half the mixture over crust. Layer with half the Parmesan, sausage and tomatoes. Sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella. Repeat layers. Fold crust over to form an edge.
  • 5. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with pepperoni and remaining mozzarella. Bake until crust is browned, 10-15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 548 calories, 34g fat (14g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1135mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.