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