Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza

  Pizza

For 30 years, friends have been telling me to open a pizzeria using this recipe. It even freezes well.

Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza

Average Rating: 3.896551

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. + rising Bake: 40 min. + standing
YIELD: 12 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • FILLING:
  • 2-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2-1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

  • 1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine oil, salt, sugar, yeast mixture and 1 cup flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
  • 2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • 3. Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a 13x9-in. baking pan. Punch down dough; divide into three portions. On a lightly floured surface, combine two portions of dough and roll into a 15x11-in. rectangle. Transfer to prepared pan, pressing onto bottom and up sides of pan. Top with 2 cups mozzarella cheese and 2 cups cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with flour, seasonings, cooked sausage, mushrooms and pepperoni.
  • 4. Roll out remaining dough into a 13x9-in. rectangle. Place dough over filling, crimping edges to seal; prick top with a fork. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake on a lower oven rack 10 minutes.
  • 5. Reduce oven setting to 375°. Spread pizza sauce over cheese. Bake 30-35 minutes longer or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Tags