The Pizza That Eats Like a Meal Stuffed Supreme Delight

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved a pizza that's more than just pizza? Like, a whole darn meal packed into a pie? Then get ready for my stuffed pizza recipe.

It is a real showstopper! Honestly, the key flavour is comfort, with a generous dose of cheesy goodness.

Brief Overview

This hearty pizza recipe is loosely based on the Chicago style stuffed pizza . Its history is deep and rich. Don't be intimidated, though.

This easy stuffed pizza recipe is totally doable at home. This recipe is a medium level project and will take about 2 hours.

It happily feeds 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

The best part? Besides the obvious deliciousness , it's got a good hit of protein. It is perfect for a weekend gathering or a special occasion.

It's the wow factor that sets this deep dish pizza apart. You are guaranteed to be asked for the recipe!

Ready to roll? Let's talk ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Stuffed Pizza Arsenal

Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs! Making a stuffed pizza a proper Chicago style stuffed pizza , mind you is dead easy once you have everything sorted.

Think of it as building a delicious, cheesy fortress. Here's what you'll need for this easy stuffed pizza recipe .

Main Players: The Ingredient Line-Up

• For the Dough:

  • 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water ( 105- 115° F/40- 46° C ) – gotta be lukewarm, not boiling, or you’ll kill the yeast!
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus extra for greasing
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt

  Pro-Tip: The yeast needs to be active for the pizza dough recipe . Give it a few minutes to get frothy in the warm water.

  If it doesn't, your yeast is a goner, and you'll need to buy new!

• For That Lush Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 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
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For The Stuffed Bits:

  • 1 pound (454g) italian sausage , removed from casings. Get a good quality sausage for this.
  • 1/2 cup (50g) sliced pepperoni
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (50g) sliced mushrooms
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) container ricotta cheese . For a tangier flavor, use whole milk ricotta.
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Italian seasoning
  • 2 pounds (907g) mozzarella cheese, shredded Oh my gosh, a big bag is needed here.

Seasoning Secrets: Flavour Boosters

Right, let's talk flavour! Italian seasoning is your best mate here. It's the backbone. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a cheeky kick.

Honestly, a bit of garlic powder in the pizza with ricotta filling is a winner too. And don't forget the salt and pepper!

Don't have Italian seasoning? Oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme will do the trick.

Kit List: The Tools of the Trade

• Essential tools only :
  • 9 inch springform pan
  • Stand mixer (optional, but saves your arms!)
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin

Didn’t find a springform pan? A regular cake tin will do! Just line it with baking paper, leaving some overhang to help lift the pizza out afterwards.

A fork works wonders for sealing the double crust pizza . Let's get the homemade pizza happening!

Unleash Your Inner Pizzaiolo: Mastering the Stuffed Pizza

Fancy a homemade pizza that's more than just a quick bite? Let's dive into the glorious world of stuffed pizza ! This ain't your average pizza recipe ; we're talking about a culinary hug.

Think Chicago style stuffed pizza but achievable in your own kitchen. I'm no pro, but I've definitely burnt a few pizzas in my time to get here.

Trust me, it's worth the effort for a double crust pizza this good.

Prep Like a Pro

First, the mise en place is your best mate. Chop your veggies, measure out your cheeses, and get that italian sausage browned.

Honestly, organisation is key. Nobody wants to be scrambling for oregano when the dough's rising. Quick tip: If using raw sausage, make sure it's cooked through before stuffing the deep dish pizza .

We don't want any dodgy tummies later, do we? This will save a lot of headaches later!.

The Stuffed Pizza Method: step-by-step

Ready to get your hands dirty? Here's how to make this awesome stuffed pizza I can remember the first time I tried this recipe.

1. Make the Dough: Combine warm water (105- 115° F/40- 46° C) , sugar, and yeast. Mix flour, salt, yeast, and oil. Knead until smooth. Let rise until doubled. ( 60-90 Minutes )
2. Whip Up the Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
3. Ricotta Time: Mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Add to pizza.
4. Layer It Up: Roll out the bottom dough. Layer mozzarella, ricotta mix, sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, mushrooms, and more mozzarella.
5. Seal the Deal: Top with the remaining dough. Cut slits for steam.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Want to take your stuffed pizza to the next level? Here are a couple tricks.

• Don't Overfill : Avoid too much filling; it will leak!.
• Rest It : Let your finished pizza rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. It helps everything set!.

Want an easy stuffed pizza recipe ? Buy pre-made dough! I won't judge. And for stuffed pizza variations , try different cheeses.

Why not use pizza with ricotta ? Honestly, it's your pizza; make it your own! Don't forget to make sure is safe to eat, it's important to cook the filling until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165° F ( 74° C)

So there you have it! Go on, give this stuffed pizza a go. It's ruddy delicious.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Stuffed Pizza

Alright, let's talk shop about this stuffed pizza . You know, that thing of beauty that's like a cross between a deep dish pizza and a delicious secret? Honestly, it's easier than it looks, promise.

But a few tips never hurt.

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Presentation matters, yeah? When that chicago style stuffed pizza emerges, all golden and gorgeous, try this: Slice it up like a cake and arrange those deep dish pizza slices on a platter.

A sprinkle of fresh basil? Pure class. Serve with a simple green salad, like a classic Caesar. It cuts through the richness.

And to drink? A chilled Italian beer or some kind of fruity fizzy pop goes down a treat.

Storage Tips: Pizza for Later (If There's Any!)

Okay, so leftovers are rare, but life happens. If you manage to save some stuffed pizza , wrap it tightly in foil.

Pop it in the fridge. It'll keep for 3 days . Reheating? Oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

The microwave works in a pinch but the crust might not be as perfect. I don't recommend freezing this one.

All those layers make it a bit dicey.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Want to switch things up? For a veggie version, skip the italian sausage and load it up with roasted veggies.

Mushrooms, peppers, courgettes - the works. Fancy going gluten-free? Loads of supermarkets have decent pizza dough recipe mixes now. You know? Honestly, the stuffed pizza variations are endless.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Right, so let's keep it real. This homemade pizza is a treat. A proper, satisfying meal. Calories per slice? Roughly 650-750.

It's packed with protein (thanks, italian sausage and cheese!), but also a fair bit of fat. Remember, everything in moderation.

And hey, the tomatoes in the sauce count as one of your five a day, yeah? Ha!

So there you have it. All you need to know to conquer this easy stuffed pizza recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment with this double crust pizza with ricotta .

Enjoy the process and good luck. Let me know if you give it a go!