Fully Loaded Pizza

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
3. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12–14 inch (30–35 cm) circle. Transfer to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch (1.3 cm) border. Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper over the sauce.
5. Layer shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the sauce. Arrange pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion on top. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh basil on top.
7. Let pizza cool 3–5 minutes, then slice and serve while warm, enjoying the mix of gooey cheese, crisp crust, and vibrant toppings.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes (+1 hour rising)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap mozzarella for a vegan cheese blend for a dairy-free pizza.
• Add cooked sausage, bacon, or chicken for extra protein.
• Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust option.
• Experiment with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions