Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup/75g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound (454g) Italian sausage, removed from casings
  • 1/2 cup (50g) sliced pepperoni
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) sliced mushrooms
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) container ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Italian seasoning
  • 2 pounds (907g) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let stand until foamy.
  2. In a separate bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine flour and salt.
  3. Add yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place in a greased bowl, turn to coat, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
  6. Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add onion and sauté until softened.
  7. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  8. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  9. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  10. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet, breaking it up with a spoon.
  11. Drain off any excess grease.
  12. Mix the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning together
  13. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  14. Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other.
  15. Roll out the larger portion and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
  16. Layer half of the mozzarella, then the ricotta mixture. Top with cooked sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, mushrooms, and the remaining mozzarella.
  17. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges tightly.
  18. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  19. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
  20. Let cool slightly before releasing from the springform pan and slicing.