Meat lovers, rejoice! The Meat Lovers Pizza is a carnivore’s dream come true. Packed with a mouthwatering medley of savory meats, gooey cheese, and zesty tomato sauce, this pizza is the ultimate indulgence for those who crave a hearty, satisfying meal. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating your very own Meat Lovers Pizza that’s sure to satisfy your meat-loving cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough (You can also use store-bought dough):
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced green bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough (Skip if using store-bought dough)
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water-sugar mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s preheating.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough to release excess air.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference and the shape of your baking sheet or pizza stone.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- If using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper to make transferring to the hot stone easier.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Layer on the pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, black olives, green bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, and pickled jalapeños (if desired).
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- If you’re not using a pizza stone, simply place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake as directed above.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the Meat Lovers Pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Slice the pizza, serve it hot, and enjoy this carnivore’s dream of a meal.
The Meat Lovers Pizza is a carnivore’s delight, with its medley of savory meats and gooey cheese. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends, family, or just treating yourself, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, meaty meal. So, roll out the dough, load it up with your favorite meats, and savor each delicious bite of this ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza.