Ingredients:

  • Olive Oil: 2-4 tablespoons, extra virgin
  • Pizza Dough: 1 pound, store-bought or homemade
  • Pizza Sauce: 1-2 cups, quality store-bought or homemade
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 8-16 ounces, freshly grated (low moisture is preferable)
  • Fresh Tomatoes: 1-2 medium, thinly sliced
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: 1/4 cup, roughly chopped
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, freshly grated (optional)
  • Pepperoni Slices: 4-8 ounces, sliced
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Red Onion: 1/2 medium, thinly sliced
  • Bell Pepper: 1/2, thinly sliced (any color)
  • Mushrooms: 4 ounces, sliced
  • Black Olives: 1/4 cup, sliced
  • Artichoke Hearts: 1/4 cup, quartered (optional)
  • Italian Sausage: 4-8 ounces, cooked and crumbled
  • Banana Peppers: 1/4 cup, sliced
  • Jalapenos: 1/4 cup, sliced (adjust to taste)
  • Cooked Ham: 4-8 ounces, diced
  • Pineapple Chunks: 1 cup, drained

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Toppings: Chop, slice, or sauté ingredients according to the specific topping combination you choose. Vegetables that release a lot of moisture (like mushrooms) benefit from a quick sauté. Cook sausage thoroughly before adding it to the pizza.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to the highest temperature possible (typically 450-500°F/232-260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. This is crucial for a crispy crust.
  3. Stretch or Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.
  4. Assemble Pizza: Transfer the dough to a pizza peel (if using) or directly onto your prepared baking sheet.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  6. Arrange Toppings: Distribute your chosen pizza toppings evenly over the cheese.
  7. Bake Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even cooking.
  8. Rest and Slice: Remove pizza from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set.
  9. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with fresh herbs (like basil or oregano) or a drizzle of olive oil.